Well Christy. A well 1 4 5 chord repeater changing to 4 5 1 on the 3rd and 6th from memory no guitar here.
England has St George, Scotland has St Andrew, Wales has St David and Ireland has…. St Brigid…..St Columba and….the other fella.
Its not called the Land of Saints and Scholars for nothin
2 counties get more of a mention than most when it comes to Paddy
So I got to thinking I wonder which one of the 2 counties he liked better.
This is called
The Visitor
He’s one man down with Judas gone
They’re wonderin’ what bus he’s on
Cos they’ve heard the saviour’s comin’ into town
Well he can count on their support
Cos after blessin’ Navan fort
For Armagh city locals hear he’s bound.
Well Downpatrick claims it won the race
When our patron chose his favourite place
But the orchard county folk they disagree
So they hope the saviour sheds some light
At the Marketplace he’ll speak tonight
Everybody’s welcome and it’s free
The place is packed out to the door
Cos Jesus hasn’t been before
The lights are dimmed as he softly taps the mike
The crowd they hang on every word
Unlike any sermon they have heard
But what he says….they don’t really like
“Paddy loved this place you’ve got
Although it tends to rain a lot
He enjoyed the porter…
Craic…. and the tall…. tales
But he told me if he had to choose
Between…. them Downpatrick folk and youse.
There wouldn’t be a contest…..
He’d pick Wales
See Paddy’s not from roun’ this place
So put away that oul long face
He’s as Welsh as Aled Jones
…..Or thon Max Boyce
And though he travelled round a bit
Teachin’ what my buddies writ
He’s a Cymru man
So he didn’t have a choice.
So I’m sorry folks but thems the breaks
He said some prayers… and chased some snakes
When some pirates brought him here
…..Just for a laugh
And the arguin’ yez have done here since
Would make him smart and make him wince
And he’d think you Irishmen are flippin’ daft
Think of every lesson I’ve taught yet
And just for…give…. and then forget
And maybe choose a new saint….who’s from here
An Armagh man like Rory… Best
Or if he’s busy just get Bono blessed…..
Cos it’s prob’ly time he picked a new career
The beauty bout the human race
Is after yiz have left this place
There’s reminders of your good deeds to be seen
And what me and Paddy loved the most
Is the Father, Son & Holy Ghost
On the shamrock here is forty shades of green
So I don’t want fight and I don’t want fuss
When I come back… get on my bus
Cos those who don’t are going the wrong way.
But before that judgement day comes around
A brand new saint may well be crowned
You’ll be celebratin’ on St Rory’s Day!
Repeat last verse
Christy's reply
Thanks for sharing
you remind me of ” St Patrick’s Arrival” and “God The Mother is your only Man”
Hi Christy,
Hope all is well with you! Big music week coming up in Virginia. Somebody’s schedule-maker must have made a mistake because both the Chieftains and Lankum are playing (separately) here next week. We aren’t usually that lucky. Can’t wait! Now if we can just vote our lunatic leader out of office we’ll be on the right path. Cheers!
Buck
Dear Christy, I hope you and yours are well. We have returned from the middle of the island (or is it Athlone?) having been rained and blown upon by Hoorhay (and what a hoor…I had to ask Hil to organise the weather for me..). We visited all over 5 counties but none prepared us (not even the leviathan at Parsonstown) for two nights of sheer happiness. The first night seemed full of humour and energy from stage and audience, even with the jump up during Honda 50, and the choice of songs. The highlight for me was Dark End of the Street. The second night for me was the weavings of guitar and violin on Ride On. It lifted the song beyond what I’ve heard in previous renditions. It was so good we availed ourselves of battered sausage from Carmine’s on Main Street late in the night.
It was my 52nd birthday on Friday and my first concert was the Hammersmith Odeon 2nd October 1986. Back in those days Hey Ronnie Reagan made it on the setlist! What a journey. Thanks to you, Declan, Jimmy and Cahal, and to Paddy. I missed seeing Mick and look forward to seeing him at Barrowlands. I trust you will take very good care of yourself (never two fast songs in a row) and the music. Jack and Rosalita. xx
Christy's reply
twice i almost got around to “Jack & Rosalita” but my intention got diverted….on night one in Tullamore I was on the Verge of “The Pursuit of Farmer” but got sidetracked…..If only I’d known twas your 25th I’d have stayed on course…..
Sometimes it seems like I’ve no control over the setlist….like there is an inner Conductor calling the shots ,waving the baton
“Dark End” has returned beautifully to the set list, I’ve rewritten a few lines which (for me) sharpen it up…..
Van Dieman’s land is back after 40 years….what a song…did’nt go down that well but I love singin it
“but now its rattlin of her chains in a foreign land to roam”
brings me right back to 1967 in Hull….myself and Mike Waterson were swapping songs and supping Cameron’s Strongarm Ale….he gave me “Van Dieman’s Land “and “Lakes of Pontchartrain”….him and Anne gave me bed,breakfast and two great songs….
I like that interpretation Dylan…..great to hear you develop and progress….its a lifelong process…hope you are happy and healthy in this poor auld lousy auld world world….
Great to see that you are still keeping on keeping on. The only shame is that you stay on the mainland over there and don’t visit us over in Wales too often! I have been following your music since Planxty and have worn out most of your albums.
I wanted to sing a love song to my fiancée ( acapella ) at my wedding next month and wondered if you could recommend a short song? I love Wave up to the Shore but it isn’t appropriate in the circumstances. Can you please help?
Would really appreciate it?
Tom
Christy's reply
“First Time Ever I saw your face” by Ewan MacColl…lots of versions abound..even the first verse would be perfect for your big day…Good Luck Tom
How ya Christy thanks for another great night in Tullamore on Sat night yourself and the band were In flying form long may it continue Thanks for playing The Cliffs I might have called for it a bit early but it was lovely to hear it
Not great weather for ground hurling but face the puck out
Christy's reply
feck it Iggy,,twas only later that I heard you were in…I heard the gentle request for “Cliffs”….ometimes with the lights I can see very little of the audience….
greetings to you and family and all around the “Grey Lake”
Hi Christy. An old friend of yours, Denis Sabey, is having a gathering for his eightieth birthday at the Causeway Foot in Ogden on Saturday this week. It would be nice to pass on a message for him if you have one?
Christy's reply
Please extend my best wishes to Denis and all the Sabey Family…..I lived in Causeway Foot for a year circa 1968 before movin to Mixenden…Denis was a great neighbour and gave me many gigs in his Folk club which ran Sunday Nights in The Bradshaw Tavern…. we supped some stuff back in t’day….Alastair Cameron, Brian Sabey, Big Gordon,the Bearded Coalman, we often ended up in Syke Lane and saw the dawn
Hi christy. Hope alls well. Wondering if you could do me a favour at all. The auld lad passed away there a month ago and we were due to hit the barrowlands for the second time in April. At his cremation, we were given 3 songs that we could play… You took up all 3 naturally, beeswing, sail on Jimmy, and if I get an encore to finish it off in style. I’ll be in attendance in April for which can only be described as an emotional rollercoaster…. If you could give a shout out to pat (PJ) Shea at some stage it’d be most appreciated… He’s been following your trail since the very beginning and instilled the same trait into myself….. See you in glesga and in the mean time mind the trams.
Christy's reply
we’ll do our very best…sorry to hear about PJ..Thank you for sharing..wish ye all well….great to have such good memories of your Father
Hi Christy
Its been a few years since we saw you in Donegal. ( It was the highlight of our trip)
Myself and my son Ciaran are going back to Ireland in a month, mostly Donegal.
Looked to see where you are playing to get tickets, So delighted to see you are in Letterkenny when we are there!
Then disappointed to see you are completely booked !
Then delighted to see how much you are appreciated !
Good for you!
Maria
Dear Christy,
On this day 39 years ago a poet and a politician began his hunger strike, what beautiful and powerful lyrics he has provided us with in McIlhatton and Back home in Derry.
It is uplifting and thought provoking when you explain how you managed to recieve his writing.They are a deep joy when performed by you, keep on keeping on.
Rory
Christy's reply
The People Own MP (Bruce Scott)
How many more must die now how many must we lose
Before the island people their own destiny can choose
From immortal Robert Emmet to Bobby Sands MP
Who was given thirty thousand votes while in captivity
No more he’ll hear the lark’s sweet notes upon the Ulster air
Or gaze upon the snowflake to calm his deep despair
Before he went on hunger strike young Bobby did compose
The Rhythm of Time, The Weeping Wind and The Sleeping Rose
He was a poet and a soldier he died courageously
And we gave him thirty thousand votes,The Peoples own MP
Thomas Ashe gave everything in 1917
The Lord Mayor of Cork McSwiney died freedom to obtain
Never a one of all our dead died more courageously
Than Bobby Sands from Twinbrook the People’s own MP
Forever we’ll remember him that man who died in pain
That his country north and south might be united once again
To mourn him is to organise and build a movement strong
With ballot box and armalite with music and with song
I hope you are well. I cannot wait to see you in concert in Portlaoise!. My dad is a huge fan of yours and has been listening to your music for many years. He raised my sister and me on your music and we are doing the same with my nephew. My dad took me to the London Palladium to see you and it was amazing. So seeing you in Portlaoise last year took me right back to one of my fav memories with my dad. I cannot thank you enough for that. Unfortunately my dad had a major stroke a few years ago and he’s now very ill. But I know he’s counting the days till your concert. I was wondering if you would mind signing something for him or maybe giving him a shoutout etc?. It would make his year. Thank you so much for the memories and your music. Take care and God Bless xx
Christy's reply
Nativeslover….all good here this morn so far
London Palladium,that brings me right back,
must be 30 years since or getting on for it,
I think I played that with Jimmy Faulkner
my dear late side-kick…we played some quare spots together
Lichtenstein,Stubo in Bremen,Sviebel in Hamburg,Kennedys in Puckaune
Jimmy could deliver a guitar solo between every verse
and never play the same riff twice
Sorry to hear your Da has had such setback
but Fair play to him
he’s still comin to hear the songs
……but you’ve left out some vital info
Good morning Christy. I trust you are well and good. We seen you last summer in Athlone with our son Diarmuid – whom still uses the plectrum you gave him for his guitar lessons every week& insists on doing a “Christy “ concert on a regular basis both at home & in afterschool club. He got Magic Nights for his 7th birthday in January & it’s being played non stop! We are going to see you in Westport in April& the excitement levels are already high! He wants to bring his guitar in the hope that you might sign it for him. I appreciate you are extremely busy & that this may not be possible but no harm asking. Take care & looking forward to seeing you soon
Christy's reply
Well done Diarmuid…Glad to hear that you are playing your guitar and putting in the work….
Hi Christy, just wanted to say thank you so much for making Camerons night last Fri in Mulingar he is still telling everyone that you gave him a shoutout and sang his favourite song for him! He was delighted when you called him over at the end and gave him your plectrum, something he will treasure for ever! You made his birthday! It was his first time to see you in concert and he cant wait to see you again… It was a great concert. So thanks again! Xs
Christy's reply
all good Sarah…glad that Cameron enjoyed himself….looking out from the stage, getting a glimpse of such a young listener, makes it a joyful experience for me. From my own boyhood days I have powerful memories of musical experiences…some have stayed with me throughout my life and may have steered the direction that my life has taken….best wishes to ye
How ya Christy, I just wanted to say thanks for a wonderful night in Tullamore night, the music was incredible as was the atmosphere, you and your orchestra were great. I home bloody storm Jorge doesn’t hang round too long! We have very fond memories of seeing you in Vicar Street on a very snowy night a few years ago . Best wishes + Jojo
Christy's reply
Good Thanks JoJo,
just after the breakfast here in Tulach Mór….getting ready to face the day, to face whatever it might bring….
its calm at the moment, maybe Jorge has blown out,the Sun is lighting up a grey blue sky out across the Boglands of Offaly and Kildare…I’m looking over towards Edenderry and Carbury…..just after two boiled eggs and a bowl of Flahavan’s porridge…
the world can be such a beautiful place..if only we could let nature run her course
Hi Christy,
The February Man certainly delivered January weather for your 2 weekends in the middle of the Island .
Still the rooms were warm and Buzzing with great Jo Jo.
Thanks sooo much.
Ride on.
Patsy
Christy's reply
“The Rain was lashin The Sun was risin
The Wind was whippin through the trees
The Madness from the Mountains crawlin
When I saw you first my sweet Aisling
One Two Three Four Telegraph Poles
Burning on the cold black road
The night was bursting into morning
Give us a drop of your Sweet Poitín”…………..(Shane McGowan)
Its gettin rough out there Patsy..the poor auld lousy auld earth is taking a battering….so many different fronts
but last night I felt a two hour reprieve as songsters gathered from many places…a Butterfly from Australia, Remainers from Ruislip, Brexiteers from Balham,along with Roses from Tralee and Balladeers from Broad Street….together we knocked it out, harmonised and eulogised….
and Today is an extra day, a day gleaned from the last four years, an extra day to balance the meantime in Greenwich….on we go Patsy..still we keep on ringin the bell of hope in our powerlessness
gotta get focused on tonight..another Ballad Session…another audience….Saturday nights brings a different energy to proceedings…. its always been thus
The nearest pub to our house in Newbridge was Hugh Neeson’s..as a young lad I often lingered outside the Lounge window for there was a always a sing-song there on Saturday night…a woman used to sing “If I was a Blackbird”, at the end she would whistle the melody and it used to fill me with an emotion i still dont understand…then Jack White would sing “A Nation Once Again”….its hard to beat the old sing-song
Ceart go leor Christy. I see Bundoran on the list alright amongst many sold out shows. I might take a trip up to the Hills.
On a different note; a woman called Catherine Burns was given a proper burial in my parish of Clonoe in East Tyrone a few years back. She was one of the unfortunate souls caught up in the horror of Duffy’s Mile 59. I was listening to your On the Road Podcast on my way home from work this evening and hearing you talk about Wally Page’s excellent Duffy’s Cut song brought her back into my mind. I wrote a song in her honour and have included the words here. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam.
Catherine Burns
Catherine Burns came from Tír Eoghain, she sailed the sea all on her own, she tried to catch the tail of the American dream
She was a childless, manless, widowed wife whose 29 years were full of strife all she needed was a change of luck
She took the John Stamp ship to the USA, landed in Pennsylvania, Philip Duffy there gave her a job
Cooking on mile 59 of the brand new railway line ’til someone there cut short her song
She was mistreated, disrespected round Duffy’s Cut
Fifty seven lost their lives, amidst the horror and the lies after cholera had caught a hold
To quell the contagious spread all the workers were left dead, they never saw daylight again
Some succumbed, some were killed
Some were poisoned, blood was spilled
No one was punished for the crimes
They threw their bodies in a pit, raked the dirt on top of it, just turned their backs and walked away
They were mistreated, disrespected round Duffy’s Cut
Catherine lay in an unmarked grave many miles across the wave, far from the place that she called home
Until a group of noble souls exhumed her from that awful hole, brought her back home to Tír Eoghain
Where they buried her with dignity beneath the cross for all to see
In Cluain Eo now she rests in peace
No more mistreated nor disrespected round Duffy’s Cut
Catherine Burns came from Tír Eoghain, sailed the sea all on her own, she tried to catch the tail of the American Dream
Christy's reply
Thanks for sharing Joe.
You have penned a fitting tribute to Catherine Burns from County Tyrone.
May she rest in peace.
Wally Page’s “Duffy’s Cut” is a powerful Ballad.
We must remember the deeds of callous murdering hungry bosses and their henchmen gangers and foremen.
They are still out there….we have more protection, worker’s rights and legislation in place but they always find ways to exploit unprotected labour ….
We were last over in April 2015 at Carrickmacross when you made a mention of my dear sister Julie Dobey who was celebrating her 70th birthday. Sadly she passed away the following year from that dreadful cancer. The good news is we will be back again at the Lyrath Estate on 8th March and so looking forward to it.
Christy's reply
350 gigs since…. yet I remember your Sister’s name…..my own 70th was around that time…..I hope you have a good visit to The Marble City….
” In Kilkenny it is reported,
they’ve marble stone there as black as ink.
with gold and silver I will support her,
I’ll sing no more ’til I get a drink.
I’m drunk today, I’m seldom sober
a lonesome rover from town to town
now I’m sick,my days are numbered
Come all you young lads and lay me down”
I heard Liam Clancy sing this song 58 years ago by the streams of Bunclody ….it was a seminal moment which changed the course of my young life
Dear Christy, how are you? I hope you are well. Ciara and Dennis have been through us like a dose of salts.
Did you know (how would you) that for years I thought the Macoll song was Shores of Eireann. It made sense to me.
I am very much looking forward to Tullamore. I have not been there before. So saddle up the old grey mare… Take good care and see you all in fine fettle anon. Xx
Well Christy. A well 1 4 5 chord repeater changing to 4 5 1 on the 3rd and 6th from memory no guitar here.
England has St George, Scotland has St Andrew, Wales has St David and Ireland has…. St Brigid…..St Columba and….the other fella.
Its not called the Land of Saints and Scholars for nothin
2 counties get more of a mention than most when it comes to Paddy
So I got to thinking I wonder which one of the 2 counties he liked better.
This is called
The Visitor
He’s one man down with Judas gone
They’re wonderin’ what bus he’s on
Cos they’ve heard the saviour’s comin’ into town
Well he can count on their support
Cos after blessin’ Navan fort
For Armagh city locals hear he’s bound.
Well Downpatrick claims it won the race
When our patron chose his favourite place
But the orchard county folk they disagree
So they hope the saviour sheds some light
At the Marketplace he’ll speak tonight
Everybody’s welcome and it’s free
The place is packed out to the door
Cos Jesus hasn’t been before
The lights are dimmed as he softly taps the mike
The crowd they hang on every word
Unlike any sermon they have heard
But what he says….they don’t really like
“Paddy loved this place you’ve got
Although it tends to rain a lot
He enjoyed the porter…
Craic…. and the tall…. tales
But he told me if he had to choose
Between…. them Downpatrick folk and youse.
There wouldn’t be a contest…..
He’d pick Wales
See Paddy’s not from roun’ this place
So put away that oul long face
He’s as Welsh as Aled Jones
…..Or thon Max Boyce
And though he travelled round a bit
Teachin’ what my buddies writ
He’s a Cymru man
So he didn’t have a choice.
So I’m sorry folks but thems the breaks
He said some prayers… and chased some snakes
When some pirates brought him here
…..Just for a laugh
And the arguin’ yez have done here since
Would make him smart and make him wince
And he’d think you Irishmen are flippin’ daft
Think of every lesson I’ve taught yet
And just for…give…. and then forget
And maybe choose a new saint….who’s from here
An Armagh man like Rory… Best
Or if he’s busy just get Bono blessed…..
Cos it’s prob’ly time he picked a new career
The beauty bout the human race
Is after yiz have left this place
There’s reminders of your good deeds to be seen
And what me and Paddy loved the most
Is the Father, Son & Holy Ghost
On the shamrock here is forty shades of green
So I don’t want fight and I don’t want fuss
When I come back… get on my bus
Cos those who don’t are going the wrong way.
But before that judgement day comes around
A brand new saint may well be crowned
You’ll be celebratin’ on St Rory’s Day!
Repeat last verse
Thanks for sharing
you remind me of ” St Patrick’s Arrival” and “God The Mother is your only Man”
Hi Christy,
Hope all is well with you! Big music week coming up in Virginia. Somebody’s schedule-maker must have made a mistake because both the Chieftains and Lankum are playing (separately) here next week. We aren’t usually that lucky. Can’t wait! Now if we can just vote our lunatic leader out of office we’ll be on the right path. Cheers!
Buck
Come on Bernie….get that turd off the pot
Dear Christy, I hope you and yours are well. We have returned from the middle of the island (or is it Athlone?) having been rained and blown upon by Hoorhay (and what a hoor…I had to ask Hil to organise the weather for me..). We visited all over 5 counties but none prepared us (not even the leviathan at Parsonstown) for two nights of sheer happiness. The first night seemed full of humour and energy from stage and audience, even with the jump up during Honda 50, and the choice of songs. The highlight for me was Dark End of the Street. The second night for me was the weavings of guitar and violin on Ride On. It lifted the song beyond what I’ve heard in previous renditions. It was so good we availed ourselves of battered sausage from Carmine’s on Main Street late in the night.
It was my 52nd birthday on Friday and my first concert was the Hammersmith Odeon 2nd October 1986. Back in those days Hey Ronnie Reagan made it on the setlist! What a journey. Thanks to you, Declan, Jimmy and Cahal, and to Paddy. I missed seeing Mick and look forward to seeing him at Barrowlands. I trust you will take very good care of yourself (never two fast songs in a row) and the music. Jack and Rosalita. xx
twice i almost got around to “Jack & Rosalita” but my intention got diverted….on night one in Tullamore I was on the Verge of “The Pursuit of Farmer” but got sidetracked…..If only I’d known twas your 25th I’d have stayed on course…..
Sometimes it seems like I’ve no control over the setlist….like there is an inner Conductor calling the shots ,waving the baton
“Dark End” has returned beautifully to the set list, I’ve rewritten a few lines which (for me) sharpen it up…..
Van Dieman’s land is back after 40 years….what a song…did’nt go down that well but I love singin it
“but now its rattlin of her chains in a foreign land to roam”
brings me right back to 1967 in Hull….myself and Mike Waterson were swapping songs and supping Cameron’s Strongarm Ale….he gave me “Van Dieman’s Land “and “Lakes of Pontchartrain”….him and Anne gave me bed,breakfast and two great songs….
Roll on Barrowland
Come all you Dreamers
In a Bar room in Belfast
Greetings from the apocalypse Christy, think I saw Shane’s wheelchair in the air over here…
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pfVKnfX42c0&feature=youtu.be
I like that interpretation Dylan…..great to hear you develop and progress….its a lifelong process…hope you are happy and healthy in this poor auld lousy auld world world….
Hi Christy,
Great to see that you are still keeping on keeping on. The only shame is that you stay on the mainland over there and don’t visit us over in Wales too often! I have been following your music since Planxty and have worn out most of your albums.
I wanted to sing a love song to my fiancée ( acapella ) at my wedding next month and wondered if you could recommend a short song? I love Wave up to the Shore but it isn’t appropriate in the circumstances. Can you please help?
Would really appreciate it?
Tom
“First Time Ever I saw your face” by Ewan MacColl…lots of versions abound..even the first verse would be perfect for your big day…Good Luck Tom
How ya Christy thanks for another great night in Tullamore on Sat night yourself and the band were In flying form long may it continue Thanks for playing The Cliffs I might have called for it a bit early but it was lovely to hear it
Not great weather for ground hurling but face the puck out
feck it Iggy,,twas only later that I heard you were in…I heard the gentle request for “Cliffs”….ometimes with the lights I can see very little of the audience….
greetings to you and family and all around the “Grey Lake”
Hi Christy. An old friend of yours, Denis Sabey, is having a gathering for his eightieth birthday at the Causeway Foot in Ogden on Saturday this week. It would be nice to pass on a message for him if you have one?
Please extend my best wishes to Denis and all the Sabey Family…..I lived in Causeway Foot for a year circa 1968 before movin to Mixenden…Denis was a great neighbour and gave me many gigs in his Folk club which ran Sunday Nights in The Bradshaw Tavern…. we supped some stuff back in t’day….Alastair Cameron, Brian Sabey, Big Gordon,the Bearded Coalman, we often ended up in Syke Lane and saw the dawn
Got a few new songs might suit you. Where can I send?
put one up here if you wish
Hi christy. Hope alls well. Wondering if you could do me a favour at all. The auld lad passed away there a month ago and we were due to hit the barrowlands for the second time in April. At his cremation, we were given 3 songs that we could play… You took up all 3 naturally, beeswing, sail on Jimmy, and if I get an encore to finish it off in style. I’ll be in attendance in April for which can only be described as an emotional rollercoaster…. If you could give a shout out to pat (PJ) Shea at some stage it’d be most appreciated… He’s been following your trail since the very beginning and instilled the same trait into myself….. See you in glesga and in the mean time mind the trams.
we’ll do our very best…sorry to hear about PJ..Thank you for sharing..wish ye all well….great to have such good memories of your Father
Hi Christy
Its been a few years since we saw you in Donegal. ( It was the highlight of our trip)
Myself and my son Ciaran are going back to Ireland in a month, mostly Donegal.
Looked to see where you are playing to get tickets, So delighted to see you are in Letterkenny when we are there!
Then disappointed to see you are completely booked !
Then delighted to see how much you are appreciated !
Good for you!
Maria
Hope ye have a good trip…
Dear Christy,
On this day 39 years ago a poet and a politician began his hunger strike, what beautiful and powerful lyrics he has provided us with in McIlhatton and Back home in Derry.
It is uplifting and thought provoking when you explain how you managed to recieve his writing.They are a deep joy when performed by you, keep on keeping on.
Rory
The People Own MP (Bruce Scott)
How many more must die now how many must we lose
Before the island people their own destiny can choose
From immortal Robert Emmet to Bobby Sands MP
Who was given thirty thousand votes while in captivity
No more he’ll hear the lark’s sweet notes upon the Ulster air
Or gaze upon the snowflake to calm his deep despair
Before he went on hunger strike young Bobby did compose
The Rhythm of Time, The Weeping Wind and The Sleeping Rose
He was a poet and a soldier he died courageously
And we gave him thirty thousand votes,The Peoples own MP
Thomas Ashe gave everything in 1917
The Lord Mayor of Cork McSwiney died freedom to obtain
Never a one of all our dead died more courageously
Than Bobby Sands from Twinbrook the People’s own MP
Forever we’ll remember him that man who died in pain
That his country north and south might be united once again
To mourn him is to organise and build a movement strong
With ballot box and armalite with music and with song
Christy,
I hope you are well. I cannot wait to see you in concert in Portlaoise!. My dad is a huge fan of yours and has been listening to your music for many years. He raised my sister and me on your music and we are doing the same with my nephew. My dad took me to the London Palladium to see you and it was amazing. So seeing you in Portlaoise last year took me right back to one of my fav memories with my dad. I cannot thank you enough for that. Unfortunately my dad had a major stroke a few years ago and he’s now very ill. But I know he’s counting the days till your concert. I was wondering if you would mind signing something for him or maybe giving him a shoutout etc?. It would make his year. Thank you so much for the memories and your music. Take care and God Bless xx
Nativeslover….all good here this morn so far
London Palladium,that brings me right back,
must be 30 years since or getting on for it,
I think I played that with Jimmy Faulkner
my dear late side-kick…we played some quare spots together
Lichtenstein,Stubo in Bremen,Sviebel in Hamburg,Kennedys in Puckaune
Jimmy could deliver a guitar solo between every verse
and never play the same riff twice
Sorry to hear your Da has had such setback
but Fair play to him
he’s still comin to hear the songs
……but you’ve left out some vital info
Good morning Christy. I trust you are well and good. We seen you last summer in Athlone with our son Diarmuid – whom still uses the plectrum you gave him for his guitar lessons every week& insists on doing a “Christy “ concert on a regular basis both at home & in afterschool club. He got Magic Nights for his 7th birthday in January & it’s being played non stop! We are going to see you in Westport in April& the excitement levels are already high! He wants to bring his guitar in the hope that you might sign it for him. I appreciate you are extremely busy & that this may not be possible but no harm asking. Take care & looking forward to seeing you soon
Well done Diarmuid…Glad to hear that you are playing your guitar and putting in the work….
Hi Christy, just wanted to say thank you so much for making Camerons night last Fri in Mulingar he is still telling everyone that you gave him a shoutout and sang his favourite song for him! He was delighted when you called him over at the end and gave him your plectrum, something he will treasure for ever! You made his birthday! It was his first time to see you in concert and he cant wait to see you again… It was a great concert. So thanks again! Xs
all good Sarah…glad that Cameron enjoyed himself….looking out from the stage, getting a glimpse of such a young listener, makes it a joyful experience for me. From my own boyhood days I have powerful memories of musical experiences…some have stayed with me throughout my life and may have steered the direction that my life has taken….best wishes to ye
How ya Christy, I just wanted to say thanks for a wonderful night in Tullamore night, the music was incredible as was the atmosphere, you and your orchestra were great. I home bloody storm Jorge doesn’t hang round too long! We have very fond memories of seeing you in Vicar Street on a very snowy night a few years ago . Best wishes + Jojo
Good Thanks JoJo,
just after the breakfast here in Tulach Mór….getting ready to face the day, to face whatever it might bring….
its calm at the moment, maybe Jorge has blown out,the Sun is lighting up a grey blue sky out across the Boglands of Offaly and Kildare…I’m looking over towards Edenderry and Carbury…..just after two boiled eggs and a bowl of Flahavan’s porridge…
the world can be such a beautiful place..if only we could let nature run her course
Hi Christy,
The February Man certainly delivered January weather for your 2 weekends in the middle of the Island .
Still the rooms were warm and Buzzing with great Jo Jo.
Thanks sooo much.
Ride on.
Patsy
“The Rain was lashin The Sun was risin
The Wind was whippin through the trees
The Madness from the Mountains crawlin
When I saw you first my sweet Aisling
One Two Three Four Telegraph Poles
Burning on the cold black road
The night was bursting into morning
Give us a drop of your Sweet Poitín”…………..(Shane McGowan)
Its gettin rough out there Patsy..the poor auld lousy auld earth is taking a battering….so many different fronts
but last night I felt a two hour reprieve as songsters gathered from many places…a Butterfly from Australia, Remainers from Ruislip, Brexiteers from Balham,along with Roses from Tralee and Balladeers from Broad Street….together we knocked it out, harmonised and eulogised….
and Today is an extra day, a day gleaned from the last four years, an extra day to balance the meantime in Greenwich….on we go Patsy..still we keep on ringin the bell of hope in our powerlessness
gotta get focused on tonight..another Ballad Session…another audience….Saturday nights brings a different energy to proceedings…. its always been thus
The nearest pub to our house in Newbridge was Hugh Neeson’s..as a young lad I often lingered outside the Lounge window for there was a always a sing-song there on Saturday night…a woman used to sing “If I was a Blackbird”, at the end she would whistle the melody and it used to fill me with an emotion i still dont understand…then Jack White would sing “A Nation Once Again”….its hard to beat the old sing-song
Ceart go leor Christy. I see Bundoran on the list alright amongst many sold out shows. I might take a trip up to the Hills.
On a different note; a woman called Catherine Burns was given a proper burial in my parish of Clonoe in East Tyrone a few years back. She was one of the unfortunate souls caught up in the horror of Duffy’s Mile 59. I was listening to your On the Road Podcast on my way home from work this evening and hearing you talk about Wally Page’s excellent Duffy’s Cut song brought her back into my mind. I wrote a song in her honour and have included the words here. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam.
Catherine Burns
Catherine Burns came from Tír Eoghain, she sailed the sea all on her own, she tried to catch the tail of the American dream
She was a childless, manless, widowed wife whose 29 years were full of strife all she needed was a change of luck
She took the John Stamp ship to the USA, landed in Pennsylvania, Philip Duffy there gave her a job
Cooking on mile 59 of the brand new railway line ’til someone there cut short her song
She was mistreated, disrespected round Duffy’s Cut
Fifty seven lost their lives, amidst the horror and the lies after cholera had caught a hold
To quell the contagious spread all the workers were left dead, they never saw daylight again
Some succumbed, some were killed
Some were poisoned, blood was spilled
No one was punished for the crimes
They threw their bodies in a pit, raked the dirt on top of it, just turned their backs and walked away
They were mistreated, disrespected round Duffy’s Cut
Catherine lay in an unmarked grave many miles across the wave, far from the place that she called home
Until a group of noble souls exhumed her from that awful hole, brought her back home to Tír Eoghain
Where they buried her with dignity beneath the cross for all to see
In Cluain Eo now she rests in peace
No more mistreated nor disrespected round Duffy’s Cut
Catherine Burns came from Tír Eoghain, sailed the sea all on her own, she tried to catch the tail of the American Dream
Thanks for sharing Joe.
You have penned a fitting tribute to Catherine Burns from County Tyrone.
May she rest in peace.
Wally Page’s “Duffy’s Cut” is a powerful Ballad.
We must remember the deeds of callous murdering hungry bosses and their henchmen gangers and foremen.
They are still out there….we have more protection, worker’s rights and legislation in place but they always find ways to exploit unprotected labour ….
Morecambe Bay
Aha Christy! The 12th it will be
We were last over in April 2015 at Carrickmacross when you made a mention of my dear sister Julie Dobey who was celebrating her 70th birthday. Sadly she passed away the following year from that dreadful cancer. The good news is we will be back again at the Lyrath Estate on 8th March and so looking forward to it.
350 gigs since…. yet I remember your Sister’s name…..my own 70th was around that time…..I hope you have a good visit to The Marble City….
” In Kilkenny it is reported,
they’ve marble stone there as black as ink.
with gold and silver I will support her,
I’ll sing no more ’til I get a drink.
I’m drunk today, I’m seldom sober
a lonesome rover from town to town
now I’m sick,my days are numbered
Come all you young lads and lay me down”
I heard Liam Clancy sing this song 58 years ago by the streams of Bunclody ….it was a seminal moment which changed the course of my young life
Dear Christy, how are you? I hope you are well. Ciara and Dennis have been through us like a dose of salts.
Did you know (how would you) that for years I thought the Macoll song was Shores of Eireann. It made sense to me.
I am very much looking forward to Tullamore. I have not been there before. So saddle up the old grey mare… Take good care and see you all in fine fettle anon. Xx
Sailing for The Shores of Eireann…