The stand out song upon the first listen is Inchicore Wake but i’m sure Jack Campbell will win by a nose tomorrow. It’s a real pleasure to listen to the album. Thank you.
Dear Christy, I hope you are well. I have just this minute received Magic Nights. The postie I’ll be honest, was surprised and yet pleased at my reaction. (oh my god thank you so much… Oh I’m so happy…. Etc etc) As the antique dealers amongst us would say, it’s highly collectible and a thing of beauty. I’ve yet to listen, content at this moment just to look. It’s a bit cold out there. Take care and thank you. Xx
Christy's reply
its time for the long johns…greetings to The Hayes Gang
I was lucky enough to see you the other week in Newtown Mount Kennedy and an amazing gig and your rendition of Bright Blue Rose was amazing.
My beautiful Mother, Kay, passed away last Saturday after a long illness, and your rendition of Motherland while I was living in New York throughout her illness kept me going throught the tough times.
I understand you are on the Late Late tonight and if you could sing Motherland I would be forever grateful.
Neil
Christy's reply
Hey Neil..sorry to read your post…its a hard time when we lose our Mothers….the repertoire for that show was planned in advance
H Christy Moore.
This might sound mad. So im going to go ahead with my question. Im getting married in April in Westport. My husband and Dad is a really big fan of yours. Its going to be my dad 62 birthday the day of the wedding also. We have had a really bad year this year hoping next year will be that bit better. With having the wedding to look forward to. So hear goes im mailing you to ask would you sing even one song at our wedding afters? Please would really make our day. Thank you for taking the time reading this. Look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards Caroline.
Christy's reply
Hi Caroline…Fair play to you and thank you for your generous invitation to sing one song at the “afters” of your forthcoming celebration….
For legal reasons your offer cannot be fulfilled….about 20 years ago ( I was 55 at the time) I sought to fulfill a similar engagement…at that time I’d been off the drink for about 10 years…when I got to the venue it turned out that the groom’s uncle was an old drinking buddy of mine in our London days in the 60s….he insisted and in a moments weakness I said “OK but just the one”……..well Caroline, what happened next must never be repeated….
to briefly summarise …..I ended up in the Barracks, my old Buddy in Consilio’s, the Bride & Groom called off the Honeymoon, the Best man spent the night in the Bridal Suite with the Celebrant, ( a lovely young Priest ,not long ordained,) there was mayhem…it all kicked off as I sang the first verse of The Voyage…by this stage I was as pissed as a newt and I fell in on top of the Wedding Cake ( a beautiful 5 tier confection from Ashers Bakery in Belfast, the bride & groom were straight)…. what ensued was not pretty…..The RUC were called, it was a pre-PSNI wedding….I’ll cut a long story short….the Judge barred me for life from attending weddings……..So there you have it Caroline…I wish you,your intended and all belonging to you a beautiful and joyful day in Westport….I’ll be doing Croagh Patrick for my sins
Back from the fresh air of Cumbria and an ace Martin Simpson gig in Penrith.Absorbing music and stories (told during intricate guitar tunings)a plenty…
Leon Rosselson’s ‘Palaces of Gold’ is such a staggering song…timeless in its commentary on the arrogance of wealth and privilege…fond mentions and tributes to Roy Bailey(Martin’s father in law) on the first anniversary of his death…and,as so often an evening of top quality music concluded with a Dylan song…’Times they are a changing’,never sounded more powerful…
‘There’s a battle outside and it’s raging’,,, many conflicts out there and so much good music to counteract them,thankfully…
Enjoy the new album launch. Can’t wait to hear it… Dave
Hello Christy!
I first heard of you whilst visiting Dingle in 1997 where I met Tony Small. He mentioned you and your music on several occasions. So glad to see the number of upcoming gigs; any chance there are some not listed? I’ll be in Dublin 25 April and then Belfast for several days before pushing on to Scotland and would travel anywhere in Ireland to see you play!
I’ll be sure to purchase the new album. Fantastic news and best of luck Mate!
Well my liver is still here, haven’t given up the drink yet, though I am still in the process of whether or not it is worth giving it up anyway at my age with my loneliness.
Hey Christy, I have latched onto you, rightly or wrongly to share with you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1XQFnuNPiw&t=1s
Christy's reply
Thank you for sharing,
I wish you well upon your journey,
your decision “whether or not” is the biggest one
its never too late to crawl out from under the scourge
the cunning,baffling and powerful bottle has left so many of us feeling lonely.
I tried to write about it 25 years ago….
Riding The High Stool.
I was riding the high stool,
expanding and expounding,
On the price of rice in Sierra Leone
and the height of the beef mountain.
As to where did Jack Doyle meet Movita,
How many wives did the Aga Khan.
’til Dismounting from my high horse,
I couldn’t find the handle of the bar room door!
I knew it all then up again’ the counter,
I’d weigh you up in ten seconds flat.
Ya see I was a great judge of character,
my instincts always telling me exactly what kinda guy I got.
until I turned to go,
whereupon I couldn’t tell my arse from my well-bent elbow.
I was heading down the streets of Laredo singing Red Sails in the Sunset,
Sure it was no wonder that I knew it all then.
Itwas like drinking porter off a sore leg sez Ber Murphy.
Would ye ever ask me sister, sez Catty Barry.
I showed her the colour of me money when I got back from Katanga,
There’s no business like show business
said Titch Maher in Flood’s bar.
After snagging turnips for the Bishop & the Holy Fathers,
But after it got dark,
much later;
down by the Pinkeen Bridge.
I cried buckets in the river,
When Mickser sang “Oh Gentle Swallow”……
For knowing it all is a lonely place to be.
Yet still I found it very hard to say,
Hey man, this load is all too much for me,
until I was completely terrified.
Whereupon a light ship came upon my way,
and caught me in its beam.
Before I went under,
yet again, for the last time…………
Hi Christy
Looking forward to the new album.
Bought the very last 3 tickets for Barrowlands in April – very excited.
Only thing is I was looking for 5 (daughters desperate to come).
So if anyone has 2 spare I would love to buy them.
Until then, please stay in good health and enjoy this amazing musical journey.
Hello Christy,
I read in a previous post that somebody got scammed buying a counterfeit ticket. My son and I are flying to Ireland to see the Dec 9th show at the Vicar Street. I have 1 extra ticket to the show and would be happy to give it, free of charge, to that person. Let me know. Thanks.
Buck Lowry
I saw you last winter in Vicar Street with my Mum and we had the best craic. Loved every minute of the gig! You’re a wonderful performer and artist. And , would you believe, my new go to on for my own (terrible) guitar playing is “My Little Honda 50”!
Anyway, I’m living in Sweden now for work and I’ll be home before Christmas to see the family. I tried to get tickets to bring my parents to see you in Vicar Street again this December during the week I’m home, but alas, the tickets are sold out. I came across someone on Twitter selling tickets, where I’d bought plenty of second hand tickets before. It seemed to be legit, but alas again, it wasnt. I got scammed out of €150, but worse than that, the night out with the family to hear you play again.
Anyway, not sure why I’m writing here. But if you happen accross the gobshite who scammed me, set Sergeant Kelly on him for me! And I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for upcoming gigs and get the tickets the day they go onsale. Hope you’re back in Dublin soon, or even better, Stockholm!
Regards,
Maeve
Christy's reply
We will be in touch..
I hope whoever scammed you chokes on the proceeds..sorry to read this….
PLEASE anyone reading this ..
Dont take any chances with Ticket sellers…DONT use VIAGOGO either……
Christy. This is special. My son Edward is 12 and autistic. He loves to sing City of Chicago. Would you sing it with him sometime or for him even. I know you’re on the Late Late Show this Friday. Thanks again
Christy's reply
Michael, thank you for making contact, not poss to do that song on Friday but I’ll be in touch…
Hello Christy ,We will be attending the Vicar Street gig on Tuesday December 17, with my son David and his fiancée Jessy who live in Sydney Oz, and who are getting married 3 days later on December 20, venue in Killorglin.
What’s the chances of a big shout out to them, I will put in the request on the night, maybe you will sing St Brendan’s voyage for them.
Christy just out of interest did you ever play in Killorglin around the time of Puck Fair? Looking forward to the gig again this year its great to be able to spend time with loved ones at Xmas who live in different parts of the world and what better way to kick start it by one of your gigs. Thanks Christy cant wait for the new CD
Regards Rose xx
Christy's reply
Hello Rose,
Never gigged in Killorglin but I did experience Puck Fair on two occasions…my abiding memory is waking up in a tent with the worst hangover ever experienced…I’ve often thought about the fate of King Puck..poor cratur stabled aloft for the duration…what a way to honour such esteemed royalty…I’ve wondered too is there any connection between King Puck and Kerry people calling their county “The Kingdom”
Hope all goes well for David & Jessy on the 20th…..
Dear Christy, i write enough so i tried not to, but i lost to the blackbird.
Walking past the damaged and disrepaired mural of Jean Charles De Menezes, on then Down into the Vauxhall tube station it was 100 yard queue even to the pay gate and 6 deep at that, on a jam packed Tube to Euston where the announcer tells us all to leave the station due to an emergency, we swarmed like insects, but solace is found where it lies in the yellow disc, Folk Tale ,a gorgeous , life afirming duet with a wild bird, just a wonderful piece of communing with nature. It restores the mind. Thank you
Rory
Christy's reply
“Please tell them that I am young and beautiful” ( Paula Meehan)
Great interview on the RTE Player with John Kelly and Paula Meehan last week on “The Works” art show. She is a brilliant beautiful Dublin Woman of Poetry & Life
Mention here of the Late Late and the launch of Magic Nights makes me think that this will be as good as the Late Late Toy show for the 4711ers and all Christy fans and followers.
It has also made me think that Gay Byrnes “For One Night Only” show maybe didn’t get the recognition it deserved among all the magnificent tributes paid to the Man himself.
P.s.
we caught Cathal Hayden , Seamie O’Dowd with JohnJoe Kelly on Bodhran in Derry on Saturday evening……. mighty gig , have you heard /seen JohnJoe play ? Very special.
On a lighter note, the wedding was a great success. It had everything from surprise petting alpacas (another masterclass in generosity, and no small measure of eccentricity, from my friends) to a cameo from the local Orange order, walking right past to make their way to the Cenotaph to pay their Remembrance respects (they were very prompt, this only being the 2nd). The old adage about respecting the living maybe crossed some minds. We had been out for photos and were concerned that we might not make it back for the first dance, but all was well. And the first dance was hotly debated. The Voyage has been sequestered by my mother for her funeral, so that was out of the question. The First Time Ever is special to us both, but has him in bits every time and it’s supposed to be a happy event. So we went more mainstream, but rest assured you made the afterparty.
Hi Christy, this week a surprise package arrived for me, and among it was a wedding card signed by you for myself and my husband. To say I was shocked is an understatement. I was obviously delighted to receive it but also amazed at the kindness and generosity, firstly by Hilary for arranging it, and then yourself for taking the time to write a thoughtful line or two for us. So gratitude and thanks for doing that is the main message I want to communicate to you.
I wanted to also explain a little bit about why it meant so much to me, whether this interests you or not, I don’t know, but there’s no offense if not, it’s just a little extra story for detail.
I work in further education and my job is to assess the needs of learners with additional support needs and try to ensure their educational barriers are minimised as far as possible. The day I got the surprise package had been a stressful day arguing the case for access to particular social and financial support for a student I’ve been working with who, following the death of her mother and grandmother, became homeless at 16. Part of the problem I faced was resentment towards my interference as this wasn’t an issue that fell within my remit. I’m supposed to only deal with educational issues, as if social, emotional or financial difficulties are neatly compartmentalized in life and aren’t completely inextricable to someone’s ability to learn.
This young person has kicked and fought her way to being on the cusp of university education, while being homeless for 6 years. She needs a hand up, but can’t jump through the necessary hoops or break through the red tape that tangles around her way up the golden ladder of degree level education (a particular funding stream meant to be ring fenced for care experienced individuals). I was told she didn’t meet the evidence requirements and that was that, basically, leave it alone.
The injustice of it nagged at me, and I couldn’t leave it… I thought of Go Move Shift, No Time for Love, Dunnes Stores, Ordinary Man…. Doing the right thing isn’t always the easy path, but it seemed so blatant that someone had to stand in her corner here and nobody else seemed interested. So I dug some more and probed further afield and probed at the question again, but with new counterpoints. At the time of writing, I don’t know if she will get the help she needs, and is entitled to, if common sense and fairness and not box-ticking will prevail, or if the state will fail this young person all over again. I only hope I’ve tipped the scales of justice a little bit more in the right direction.
My point, I suppose, is that your music guides me so much in life, beyond merely the straightforward pleasure of listening to it (which is not insignificant in any way either, a little joy goes a long way!). It helps me to dig deep, when I have to, and to try to be a force for good where I can. So, to have such a personal token from you means a great deal to me, and I’ll keep it close to my heart. Thank you again.
Christy's reply
Thank you for sharing the torturous journey of your 16 year old friend….what must she do to reach the “evidence requirements” that would entitle her to a chance in life ?….I hope your efforts on her behalf help bring about a change in her misfortune
Hi All. This is the Week, just 5 more sleeps til the new CDs ,,what an exciting time ? CDs, Vinyl and a big booklet with lots of photos,,,and then the LLS,,,better than Christmas !! enjoy it all Christy. The Boys of Barr na Sraide was sung in Sneem on 30th Aug 2013, there was a mini gaggle there from Clare, Cork, USA, Germany, Canada and UK,,, it was another exciting time shortly after the inaugural gigs in Lisdoon with the MOC Band…they may also have sung it on their return to Sneem on 30th Aug 2014, I don’t know because I was at the Kerry Mayo replay in Limerick !!! beir bua agus beannacht. H
Christy's reply
“John Dálaigh and Batt Andy, and The Sheehans Con And Dan
those Boys of Barr na Sráide who hunted for the Wren”
Read Rory’ s post and fully agree about the melancholic beauty of ‘The boys…’.
It took me to the ‘lyrics’ section on your website…I don’t visit that very often-and intend to change that habit! So good to see the amount of info that’s there-and your comments,at times…eg ‘Beeswing’-classic Richard Thompson-perfect for your subtle changes…and so many more wonderful songs,from all stages of your journey.
Keep travellin’
Dave
Christy's reply
Here in Wexford tonight…looking out at the Irish Sea…..Greetings to Suffragette City
Christy ,
Sorry i meant to tell you also of Joxer’s progress.
19 months since his conception in a barn in Tipperary, and 8 since his birth in a Roxburghshire field, he lost his manhood this week, poor wee fella.However a suckling of his mother’s milk calmed the sting .
After the NYPD band play ‘Galway Bay’ he will be weaned to begin his gradual path to a racing life.
He tells me his aim is ,in 4 years, to travel to Kildare ,where he will finally stride up the Punchestown straight, triumphant, to meet you, Ray Houghton and a German’s daughter from the banks of the river Rhine ,in the festival winner’s enclosure, tea, porter and whiskey abounding to toast the day.
Regards from Joxer
Christy's reply
I’ve not been to Punchestown for about 10 years.If Joxer starts,I hope to be there.
The stand out song upon the first listen is Inchicore Wake but i’m sure Jack Campbell will win by a nose tomorrow. It’s a real pleasure to listen to the album. Thank you.
Fair play to You
Dear Christy, I hope you are well. I have just this minute received Magic Nights. The postie I’ll be honest, was surprised and yet pleased at my reaction. (oh my god thank you so much… Oh I’m so happy…. Etc etc) As the antique dealers amongst us would say, it’s highly collectible and a thing of beauty. I’ve yet to listen, content at this moment just to look. It’s a bit cold out there. Take care and thank you. Xx
its time for the long johns…greetings to The Hayes Gang
Hi All….just one over used word to describe Magic Nights… AWESOME..Thanks.. beir bua agus beannacht go deo..H
good vibes from The Kingdom..ceart go leor
Hi Christy,
I was lucky enough to see you the other week in Newtown Mount Kennedy and an amazing gig and your rendition of Bright Blue Rose was amazing.
My beautiful Mother, Kay, passed away last Saturday after a long illness, and your rendition of Motherland while I was living in New York throughout her illness kept me going throught the tough times.
I understand you are on the Late Late tonight and if you could sing Motherland I would be forever grateful.
Neil
Hey Neil..sorry to read your post…its a hard time when we lose our Mothers….the repertoire for that show was planned in advance
H Christy Moore.
This might sound mad. So im going to go ahead with my question. Im getting married in April in Westport. My husband and Dad is a really big fan of yours. Its going to be my dad 62 birthday the day of the wedding also. We have had a really bad year this year hoping next year will be that bit better. With having the wedding to look forward to. So hear goes im mailing you to ask would you sing even one song at our wedding afters? Please would really make our day. Thank you for taking the time reading this. Look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards Caroline.
Hi Caroline…Fair play to you and thank you for your generous invitation to sing one song at the “afters” of your forthcoming celebration….
For legal reasons your offer cannot be fulfilled….about 20 years ago ( I was 55 at the time) I sought to fulfill a similar engagement…at that time I’d been off the drink for about 10 years…when I got to the venue it turned out that the groom’s uncle was an old drinking buddy of mine in our London days in the 60s….he insisted and in a moments weakness I said “OK but just the one”……..well Caroline, what happened next must never be repeated….
to briefly summarise …..I ended up in the Barracks, my old Buddy in Consilio’s, the Bride & Groom called off the Honeymoon, the Best man spent the night in the Bridal Suite with the Celebrant, ( a lovely young Priest ,not long ordained,) there was mayhem…it all kicked off as I sang the first verse of The Voyage…by this stage I was as pissed as a newt and I fell in on top of the Wedding Cake ( a beautiful 5 tier confection from Ashers Bakery in Belfast, the bride & groom were straight)…. what ensued was not pretty…..The RUC were called, it was a pre-PSNI wedding….I’ll cut a long story short….the Judge barred me for life from attending weddings……..So there you have it Caroline…I wish you,your intended and all belonging to you a beautiful and joyful day in Westport….I’ll be doing Croagh Patrick for my sins
Hi Christy
Back from the fresh air of Cumbria and an ace Martin Simpson gig in Penrith.Absorbing music and stories (told during intricate guitar tunings)a plenty…
Leon Rosselson’s ‘Palaces of Gold’ is such a staggering song…timeless in its commentary on the arrogance of wealth and privilege…fond mentions and tributes to Roy Bailey(Martin’s father in law) on the first anniversary of his death…and,as so often an evening of top quality music concluded with a Dylan song…’Times they are a changing’,never sounded more powerful…
‘There’s a battle outside and it’s raging’,,, many conflicts out there and so much good music to counteract them,thankfully…
Enjoy the new album launch. Can’t wait to hear it… Dave
Hello Christy!
I first heard of you whilst visiting Dingle in 1997 where I met Tony Small. He mentioned you and your music on several occasions. So glad to see the number of upcoming gigs; any chance there are some not listed? I’ll be in Dublin 25 April and then Belfast for several days before pushing on to Scotland and would travel anywhere in Ireland to see you play!
I’ll be sure to purchase the new album. Fantastic news and best of luck Mate!
Well my liver is still here, haven’t given up the drink yet, though I am still in the process of whether or not it is worth giving it up anyway at my age with my loneliness.
Hey Christy, I have latched onto you, rightly or wrongly to share with you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1XQFnuNPiw&t=1s
Thank you for sharing,
I wish you well upon your journey,
your decision “whether or not” is the biggest one
its never too late to crawl out from under the scourge
the cunning,baffling and powerful bottle has left so many of us feeling lonely.
I tried to write about it 25 years ago….
Riding The High Stool.
I was riding the high stool,
expanding and expounding,
On the price of rice in Sierra Leone
and the height of the beef mountain.
As to where did Jack Doyle meet Movita,
How many wives did the Aga Khan.
’til Dismounting from my high horse,
I couldn’t find the handle of the bar room door!
I knew it all then up again’ the counter,
I’d weigh you up in ten seconds flat.
Ya see I was a great judge of character,
my instincts always telling me exactly what kinda guy I got.
until I turned to go,
whereupon I couldn’t tell my arse from my well-bent elbow.
I was heading down the streets of Laredo singing Red Sails in the Sunset,
Sure it was no wonder that I knew it all then.
Itwas like drinking porter off a sore leg sez Ber Murphy.
Would ye ever ask me sister, sez Catty Barry.
I showed her the colour of me money when I got back from Katanga,
There’s no business like show business
said Titch Maher in Flood’s bar.
After snagging turnips for the Bishop & the Holy Fathers,
But after it got dark,
much later;
down by the Pinkeen Bridge.
I cried buckets in the river,
When Mickser sang “Oh Gentle Swallow”……
For knowing it all is a lonely place to be.
Yet still I found it very hard to say,
Hey man, this load is all too much for me,
until I was completely terrified.
Whereupon a light ship came upon my way,
and caught me in its beam.
Before I went under,
yet again, for the last time…………
Here is a song someone sent me (might even have been yourself !)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKuTeDUPljQ
another one I sang 15 years ago (from The Handsome Family)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kw56LEd8LGg&feature=related
Hi Christy
Looking forward to the new album.
Bought the very last 3 tickets for Barrowlands in April – very excited.
Only thing is I was looking for 5 (daughters desperate to come).
So if anyone has 2 spare I would love to buy them.
Until then, please stay in good health and enjoy this amazing musical journey.
Hello Christy,
I read in a previous post that somebody got scammed buying a counterfeit ticket. My son and I are flying to Ireland to see the Dec 9th show at the Vicar Street. I have 1 extra ticket to the show and would be happy to give it, free of charge, to that person. Let me know. Thanks.
Buck Lowry
Heya Christy,
I saw you last winter in Vicar Street with my Mum and we had the best craic. Loved every minute of the gig! You’re a wonderful performer and artist. And , would you believe, my new go to on for my own (terrible) guitar playing is “My Little Honda 50”!
Anyway, I’m living in Sweden now for work and I’ll be home before Christmas to see the family. I tried to get tickets to bring my parents to see you in Vicar Street again this December during the week I’m home, but alas, the tickets are sold out. I came across someone on Twitter selling tickets, where I’d bought plenty of second hand tickets before. It seemed to be legit, but alas again, it wasnt. I got scammed out of €150, but worse than that, the night out with the family to hear you play again.
Anyway, not sure why I’m writing here. But if you happen accross the gobshite who scammed me, set Sergeant Kelly on him for me! And I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for upcoming gigs and get the tickets the day they go onsale. Hope you’re back in Dublin soon, or even better, Stockholm!
Regards,
Maeve
We will be in touch..
I hope whoever scammed you chokes on the proceeds..sorry to read this….
PLEASE anyone reading this ..
Dont take any chances with Ticket sellers…DONT use VIAGOGO either……
Christy. This is special. My son Edward is 12 and autistic. He loves to sing City of Chicago. Would you sing it with him sometime or for him even. I know you’re on the Late Late Show this Friday. Thanks again
Michael, thank you for making contact, not poss to do that song on Friday but I’ll be in touch…
Hello Christy ,We will be attending the Vicar Street gig on Tuesday December 17, with my son David and his fiancée Jessy who live in Sydney Oz, and who are getting married 3 days later on December 20, venue in Killorglin.
What’s the chances of a big shout out to them, I will put in the request on the night, maybe you will sing St Brendan’s voyage for them.
Christy just out of interest did you ever play in Killorglin around the time of Puck Fair? Looking forward to the gig again this year its great to be able to spend time with loved ones at Xmas who live in different parts of the world and what better way to kick start it by one of your gigs. Thanks Christy cant wait for the new CD
Regards Rose xx
Hello Rose,
Never gigged in Killorglin but I did experience Puck Fair on two occasions…my abiding memory is waking up in a tent with the worst hangover ever experienced…I’ve often thought about the fate of King Puck..poor cratur stabled aloft for the duration…what a way to honour such esteemed royalty…I’ve wondered too is there any connection between King Puck and Kerry people calling their county “The Kingdom”
Hope all goes well for David & Jessy on the 20th…..
Dear Christy, i write enough so i tried not to, but i lost to the blackbird.
Walking past the damaged and disrepaired mural of Jean Charles De Menezes, on then Down into the Vauxhall tube station it was 100 yard queue even to the pay gate and 6 deep at that, on a jam packed Tube to Euston where the announcer tells us all to leave the station due to an emergency, we swarmed like insects, but solace is found where it lies in the yellow disc, Folk Tale ,a gorgeous , life afirming duet with a wild bird, just a wonderful piece of communing with nature. It restores the mind. Thank you
Rory
“Please tell them that I am young and beautiful” ( Paula Meehan)
Great interview on the RTE Player with John Kelly and Paula Meehan last week on “The Works” art show. She is a brilliant beautiful Dublin Woman of Poetry & Life
Mention here of the Late Late and the launch of Magic Nights makes me think that this will be as good as the Late Late Toy show for the 4711ers and all Christy fans and followers.
It has also made me think that Gay Byrnes “For One Night Only” show maybe didn’t get the recognition it deserved among all the magnificent tributes paid to the Man himself.
P.s.
we caught Cathal Hayden , Seamie O’Dowd with JohnJoe Kelly on Bodhran in Derry on Saturday evening……. mighty gig , have you heard /seen JohnJoe play ? Very special.
I’ll keep an ear to the ground for thon JohnJoe
On a lighter note, the wedding was a great success. It had everything from surprise petting alpacas (another masterclass in generosity, and no small measure of eccentricity, from my friends) to a cameo from the local Orange order, walking right past to make their way to the Cenotaph to pay their Remembrance respects (they were very prompt, this only being the 2nd). The old adage about respecting the living maybe crossed some minds. We had been out for photos and were concerned that we might not make it back for the first dance, but all was well. And the first dance was hotly debated. The Voyage has been sequestered by my mother for her funeral, so that was out of the question. The First Time Ever is special to us both, but has him in bits every time and it’s supposed to be a happy event. So we went more mainstream, but rest assured you made the afterparty.
Shine on you Airdrieonians
Hi Christy, this week a surprise package arrived for me, and among it was a wedding card signed by you for myself and my husband. To say I was shocked is an understatement. I was obviously delighted to receive it but also amazed at the kindness and generosity, firstly by Hilary for arranging it, and then yourself for taking the time to write a thoughtful line or two for us. So gratitude and thanks for doing that is the main message I want to communicate to you.
I wanted to also explain a little bit about why it meant so much to me, whether this interests you or not, I don’t know, but there’s no offense if not, it’s just a little extra story for detail.
I work in further education and my job is to assess the needs of learners with additional support needs and try to ensure their educational barriers are minimised as far as possible. The day I got the surprise package had been a stressful day arguing the case for access to particular social and financial support for a student I’ve been working with who, following the death of her mother and grandmother, became homeless at 16. Part of the problem I faced was resentment towards my interference as this wasn’t an issue that fell within my remit. I’m supposed to only deal with educational issues, as if social, emotional or financial difficulties are neatly compartmentalized in life and aren’t completely inextricable to someone’s ability to learn.
This young person has kicked and fought her way to being on the cusp of university education, while being homeless for 6 years. She needs a hand up, but can’t jump through the necessary hoops or break through the red tape that tangles around her way up the golden ladder of degree level education (a particular funding stream meant to be ring fenced for care experienced individuals). I was told she didn’t meet the evidence requirements and that was that, basically, leave it alone.
The injustice of it nagged at me, and I couldn’t leave it… I thought of Go Move Shift, No Time for Love, Dunnes Stores, Ordinary Man…. Doing the right thing isn’t always the easy path, but it seemed so blatant that someone had to stand in her corner here and nobody else seemed interested. So I dug some more and probed further afield and probed at the question again, but with new counterpoints. At the time of writing, I don’t know if she will get the help she needs, and is entitled to, if common sense and fairness and not box-ticking will prevail, or if the state will fail this young person all over again. I only hope I’ve tipped the scales of justice a little bit more in the right direction.
My point, I suppose, is that your music guides me so much in life, beyond merely the straightforward pleasure of listening to it (which is not insignificant in any way either, a little joy goes a long way!). It helps me to dig deep, when I have to, and to try to be a force for good where I can. So, to have such a personal token from you means a great deal to me, and I’ll keep it close to my heart. Thank you again.
Thank you for sharing the torturous journey of your 16 year old friend….what must she do to reach the “evidence requirements” that would entitle her to a chance in life ?….I hope your efforts on her behalf help bring about a change in her misfortune
Hi All. This is the Week, just 5 more sleeps til the new CDs ,,what an exciting time ? CDs, Vinyl and a big booklet with lots of photos,,,and then the LLS,,,better than Christmas !! enjoy it all Christy. The Boys of Barr na Sraide was sung in Sneem on 30th Aug 2013, there was a mini gaggle there from Clare, Cork, USA, Germany, Canada and UK,,, it was another exciting time shortly after the inaugural gigs in Lisdoon with the MOC Band…they may also have sung it on their return to Sneem on 30th Aug 2014, I don’t know because I was at the Kerry Mayo replay in Limerick !!! beir bua agus beannacht. H
“John Dálaigh and Batt Andy, and The Sheehans Con And Dan
those Boys of Barr na Sráide who hunted for the Wren”
Hi Christy
Read Rory’ s post and fully agree about the melancholic beauty of ‘The boys…’.
It took me to the ‘lyrics’ section on your website…I don’t visit that very often-and intend to change that habit! So good to see the amount of info that’s there-and your comments,at times…eg ‘Beeswing’-classic Richard Thompson-perfect for your subtle changes…and so many more wonderful songs,from all stages of your journey.
Keep travellin’
Dave
Here in Wexford tonight…looking out at the Irish Sea…..Greetings to Suffragette City
Christy ,
Sorry i meant to tell you also of Joxer’s progress.
19 months since his conception in a barn in Tipperary, and 8 since his birth in a Roxburghshire field, he lost his manhood this week, poor wee fella.However a suckling of his mother’s milk calmed the sting .
After the NYPD band play ‘Galway Bay’ he will be weaned to begin his gradual path to a racing life.
He tells me his aim is ,in 4 years, to travel to Kildare ,where he will finally stride up the Punchestown straight, triumphant, to meet you, Ray Houghton and a German’s daughter from the banks of the river Rhine ,in the festival winner’s enclosure, tea, porter and whiskey abounding to toast the day.
Regards from Joxer
I’ve not been to Punchestown for about 10 years.If Joxer starts,I hope to be there.