Hi Christy,
My soon to be 90 years old mother will celebrate her big birthday with all the family this weekend. She asked me, if it was possible to contact you to express her gratitude for the wonderful moments your music has brought to her life, hence this message: “Tell Christy, I brought him on holidays every year” is what she requested I say. She is referring to the music she would bring on her holidays to listen to on a Walkman. She would pack some tapes into her luggage and the music would transport her to that place great music takes you. You will be happy to know you were in good company because other favourites included Paul Simon and Ella Fitzgerald.
As live music returns and you hopefully play in Kerry, she will make her way to Killarney as she has done in the past and she will let the music keep her spirits high.
Covid kept the family away from celebrating with my mam and dad their 60 years of marriage in June 2020 so this birthday celebration will happily see us all together and there will be renditions of a few Christy favourites from her son in law (my husband) and her grandson (my son).
Indeed as I write this, I think about how you have been the soundtrack to my own life and how Declan Sinnott filled the heart of my weekend when I first moved to Dublin for work. Friday nights in The Meeting Place are still a fond memory. How did this message become about me?! I will leave the tales of my youth, of Planxty, Moving Hearts, The Baggott Inn etc. etc. for another time.
You’re going on holidays again soon because Mam will be listening to you in Alicante when she flies out for a holiday with my dad and my sister at the end of this month.
Thank you are the only words I have left.
Eileen
Hi Christy,
Some further randomness here as the other half and i prepare for a day trip to Stirling for our honeymoon tomorrow.
Stevie (and Molly with Kim from the ‘roll on’ video earlier this year) is a bona fide tour guide so he is taking us on a tour of the Bannockburn Battle site. The mrs wants to stop off at a graveyard nearby to ‘visit’ relatives on her father’s side who have long since stopped sending Christmas cards.
She has little idea that already placed in the car dc player is the pink disc to keep the sanity levels up. That is it, a day out to stirling and back for a fish supper in hawick….i can show the girls a good time!
Could not help but noticing that the news is full of abba’s return with a ‘voyage’ tour by hologram next year. Now i hope that you and Johnny Duhan get a name check on the credits for voyage ,and that the shadow of the reel in the flickering light is the type of hologram image that they intend to use on their ‘tour’.
Well that is about it apart from to note that there were goings on today in the vale of honey (or as you say in the box set ‘Clonmel’ so called by the english which means absolutely nothing).
At the track at Cluain Meala in the first race a wonderfully names DIRTY STOPOUT finished sixth,whilst Fairyhouse was where i previously saw GETUPTHEMSTAIRS run .
Now where is my thesaurus?
Rory
Christy's reply
Sail On Rory…I hope You both have a grand old time ….”Honeymooning in the Graveyard” ….. as good a place as any to get the ball rolling…Fish Supper in Hawick..you’re really pushing the boat out there Rory….I’ve offered to play support to Abba….. if the wages are right
It’ll be great to read about last night, whenever’s right…
Good to see mention of your 2020 lockdown sessions – they were/ are excellent. Recently, I watched youtube ep 8, starting with a mighty take on ‘Ordinary Man’ – audience views were well into the 30 000+…I’m responsible for a good few – but that’s a lot of folks dipping into your workroom!
Again – fair play to you and Andy. The 2020 sessions were an ace diversion at the time and are now ‘out there’ to be enjoyed as and when…
You have a phenomenal memory Christy ! Yes I’ve watched O’Donoghue’s Opera , though sad to do so since the passing of Marie Grehan (the Grehan Sisters) They were the soundtrack of my childhood.
Christy's reply
The Grehan Sisters weaved a magic spell back in those halcyon days….Marie,Frances and Helen came to Prosperous,County KIldare in the mid 1960s.Our old friend (and publican) Pat Dowling drove up to Boyle,County Roscommon and brought the three Grehans to play in his alehouse. It was a night to remember. They ‘brought the house down’ with their wild infectious singing and playing, they won the hearts of all who heard them.Later some of us travelled up to Boyle to hear them play in their Mother’s pub.It was all a long time ago but their music still resounds in my old head.
I next hear them in Willesden Junction in London. Like myself they had emigrated across the water to try and make a living from their music. They were based in Chesire and told me about the Folk Circuit they were playing in the Northwest. They invited me to Manchester and introduced me to a number of Folk Clubs.Helped me get the start.
I have fond memories of heading to gigs in their manager’s Mini-Van. The 5 of us and instruments crammed in like sardines heading for Congleton or Bury or up and over to Leeds.
In recent times Marie passed and before that, brother Tony departed. Still in touch with Frances occasionally….She still sparkles,still plays a tune
Hi Christy,
I was just on YouTube and god knows what planet I’ve been on during Covid but I’ve only just seen/watched your Lockdown Sessions with your son Andy 🙂 they absolutely brilliant and I really enjoyed them all and see the natural conversation and time you spent with your youngest. I last saw you and Declan live here in the AB in Bruseels and befor that in Liverpool some years ago at the Philharmonic Hall. I’m still saddened by the loss of Liam O’Flynn. I heard Planxty while at school through a best freinds Folky brother who live in Northumberland back in the late 70s which us got off our behinds and visiting the Folk Club scene the Cross Key’s near the old Boxing Stadium in Liverpool, later to play myself and in past yars heer at the Brussels Folks Clubs La Porte Noir/Black Door until it closed, we’re all getting older from that scene (60 end of the month), I’ve followed you ever since those days and watching the lockdown sessions really brought all back to me. Your music really matters !!!!
Christy's reply
Hi L.Smallshaw..
I too enjoyed those 8 lockdown sessions with Andy last year….they gave me a great lift at a low time…just the two of us here in the workroom…no sense of “production”….happy to hear they are still being heard on facebook….good to hear from you
Hello Christy,
The very best of luck for tonight. I hope it’s a cracker.
Going with the feel of the room is such a lovely way to do it.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
the look of the crowd the smell of the crowd the feel of the room..I can hear them assembling outside ….a far cry from barrowlands but precious nevertheless
Very many thanks for the inside track on ‘Moving Hearts’ – fascinating and much appreciated info. I’ll check out the first album next.. forgot to say that it’s also an excellent band name!
Have a good day and terrific gig. It’ll soon be time to get the strings boiling!
As ever, thanks and all the best.
Dave
Christy's reply
just squeezing into the corset here now Dave…100 yards from where that old Mailboat used to dock
Christy, hope you’re getting on well on these crazy times. Happy to see Declan McLaughlin, an artist I have talked about on here previously, has his new album “The Path of Most Resistance out on Spotify and all other streaming platforms. His song “Running Up Hill” is possibly the best I’ve heard about Bloody Sunday. Look forward to your review!
Jaypers Christy ! You remember them all and those no longer with us. As for the Dubliners….they made many a welcome assault on Donohue’s !!
Christy's reply
until we all got barred when Maureen developed a distaste for long hair !! poor Paddy would be mortified having to ban lads with flowing locks on Maureen’s instructions…even the Hon Garech Browne got the bullet for his mullet …they’re all gone now ..Donoghue’s still there with different ethos in place…I’m remembering Wally The Coalman, Peter Mulready, Big George, The McKennas, fiddler Hughie, the barmen Tom,Matt and Liam, the jacks, the lane, the Holy Hour, John and Joe in the front lounge, the pretending not to notice when luminaries appeared, people sending themselves letters c/o O’D’s and then coming in to check the notice board…Andy Irvine wrote a song about O’Donoghue’s..I’ve mentioned it in two songs…what a great hub it was back then…have a look at O’Donoghue’s Opera on YouTube
Having a vinyl session… greatly enjoying a blast of Moving Hearts ‘ Dark End of the Street’ from 1982 and watched the documentary (TG4?)on youtube.The presenter describes the band as a ‘zeitgeist’ of the era and I see exactly what he means – musically, the fretless bass is great and sums up the sound of the era.
It’s intriguing how the band was formed, how songs were selected and arranged via such diverse talents and interests. I’d welcome some insights, if you have chance.(I’m conscious of a pressing gig…)There’s such a wonderful mix of styles – and interesting to think that a decade earlier you were on the verge of such acoustic success with Planxty.
Viva diversity… all part of the journey.
Dave
Christy's reply
1980 ish…I talked to Donal…I had songs, he had ideas…we made contact with Declan…started to play….Richie Buckley played a few gigs with us… then we met Keith…we were a four piece….Tommy Moore came in on Bass but left to play with Paul Brady….Eoghan O’Neill came along and made that berth his own…drums came next…we had no luck until Eoghan suggested Brian Calnan who came from Cork and sat in…from day one Donal and I wanted Uilleann Pipes….Davey Spillane came aboard the White Ghost and away we went…prior to Moving Hearts I had a crew which became part of the Hearts set-up when Norman,Matt and Cid joined our co-op….we were a 10 piece
the repertoire evolved…I came with songs and music was written….the first album came together quickly and organically…..bu the time Dark End came around cracks were beginning to emerge….I’ve not listened to that album for 37 years, recording it was a difficult time..I must listen again some time….
for me the high time of Moving Hearts was that first year….we played every Mon-Tue-Wed in the Baggott Inn Dublin…the atmosphere at those gigs was electric…the sparks still fly…..
of course not everyone approved of Moving Hearts…many kept their distance…but we soldiered on and eventually got an album deal ….despite nil air play that first Album went straight in at No 1…..we were playing The Castle in Salthill, Galway when news came through, next night was Hillgrove in Dingle where we celbrated Cid’s 40th Birthday…
We roared,we ranted, we raved..next day we packed The White Ghost and struck out for Tom Tracey’s in Waterfoard whereupon we limped back to The Baggott Inn in time to continue our residency
” Here He Comes Lookin for the rent
his greedy yellow eyes and his tongue all bent
O Landlord you treat me so cold
you got a mortgage on my body and the keys of my soul” (Jim Page)
Hi Christy….On the subject of 50 years and crossing paths, I too have a similar memory of that time. I was the guitar player with a band called “Thatch” based in Dublin.. We were criss-crossing weekly between The Old Sheiling , Teach Furbo and places in between.I still have the memories and the guitar , though doing more writing now than playing.
Christy's reply
So many potential gigs back then..I remember your band “Thatch”..also the Shieling, Furbo,Embankment, Hitching Post, Chariot, Slatterys, O’Mara’s, Parnell House, Abbey Tavern, The Swamp, Coffee Kitchen, Universal,Studio Club,….gig column in the Evening Press every day..Fridays was Gerry O’Grady’s “Folk Column” also in the Ev Press..every one rooting around to catch a few gigs….Danny Doyle, Johnny McEvoy,The Johnsons Al O’Donnell, Anne Byrne,Jessie Owens,Sharon Collen,Parnell Folk,Andy Irvine, Johnny Moynihan, the Prentice Folk,Ludlows, The Dubs, Press Gang,Gay &Terry Woods, Mellow Candle…RTE was still a closed shop with a crack opening in the door…Dominic Behan, Delia Murphy, The Clancy’s coming through as The Dubliners gathered themselves for a final assault on the corridors of Henry St & Montrose
That’s great, Christy – a wonderful song – I thought it might be ‘Spancilhill’…
I’m sure Dooneen will be resounding in Dun Laoghaire to the fortunate fifty.
You’re right about the faraway hills – but it was always a fine sight from a ferry,to see the distant Wicklow peaks gliding by… D
Christy's reply
the late John Minogue of “The Hotel” in Tulla, County Clare, gave me the words of Spancilhill back in 1965..I began to sing it around 1970..prior to recording the Prosperous album….
50 years since our paths first crossed (not that you knew they had) – what adventures since… tomorrow’s gig will have a similar audience size to 1971. A different feel, in some ways. The main thing is you’re out there,gigging and fair play to you!
I probably should know, but what song has endured in the setlist for 55 years?
Enjoy the gig – ‘Dun Laoghaire’ conjures up many a memory of journeys, travels and family – ‘the B+I to paradise’…
Dave
Christy's reply
“you may travel far far from your own native home
far away o’er the mountains far away cross the foam
but of all the fine places that I’ve ever been
there’s none to compare with The Cliffs of Dooneen”
written by Jack McAuliffe from Lixnaw …him gazing across the Shannon Estuary towards that wild West Coast of Clare….as we both well know Dave….those faraway hills always seem greener..until the morning after we get there
Last Thu …..a Thousand listeners in Galway
Tomorrow….Fifty in Dun Laoghaire
one, a glorious Sportsfield on the edge of the Atlantic
the other, an intimate Art Centre by the margin of the Irish Sea
I’m anticipating a very different set but I’m gonna do it on the hoof, take it as I find it
equally daunted, just like I’ve always been, like I was in 1966 in The Old House at Home, Blakeley,Manchester….albeit with 55 years under my belt and more strings to my bow…only one song remains in my repertoire from that 1966 outing
Hi Christy,
My soon to be 90 years old mother will celebrate her big birthday with all the family this weekend. She asked me, if it was possible to contact you to express her gratitude for the wonderful moments your music has brought to her life, hence this message: “Tell Christy, I brought him on holidays every year” is what she requested I say. She is referring to the music she would bring on her holidays to listen to on a Walkman. She would pack some tapes into her luggage and the music would transport her to that place great music takes you. You will be happy to know you were in good company because other favourites included Paul Simon and Ella Fitzgerald.
As live music returns and you hopefully play in Kerry, she will make her way to Killarney as she has done in the past and she will let the music keep her spirits high.
Covid kept the family away from celebrating with my mam and dad their 60 years of marriage in June 2020 so this birthday celebration will happily see us all together and there will be renditions of a few Christy favourites from her son in law (my husband) and her grandson (my son).
Indeed as I write this, I think about how you have been the soundtrack to my own life and how Declan Sinnott filled the heart of my weekend when I first moved to Dublin for work. Friday nights in The Meeting Place are still a fond memory. How did this message become about me?! I will leave the tales of my youth, of Planxty, Moving Hearts, The Baggott Inn etc. etc. for another time.
You’re going on holidays again soon because Mam will be listening to you in Alicante when she flies out for a holiday with my dad and my sister at the end of this month.
Thank you are the only words I have left.
Eileen
My bag is packed..I’m all set for Alicante
Cluain Meala go for it
Hugs to the lot of you
Hi Christy,
Some further randomness here as the other half and i prepare for a day trip to Stirling for our honeymoon tomorrow.
Stevie (and Molly with Kim from the ‘roll on’ video earlier this year) is a bona fide tour guide so he is taking us on a tour of the Bannockburn Battle site. The mrs wants to stop off at a graveyard nearby to ‘visit’ relatives on her father’s side who have long since stopped sending Christmas cards.
She has little idea that already placed in the car dc player is the pink disc to keep the sanity levels up. That is it, a day out to stirling and back for a fish supper in hawick….i can show the girls a good time!
Could not help but noticing that the news is full of abba’s return with a ‘voyage’ tour by hologram next year. Now i hope that you and Johnny Duhan get a name check on the credits for voyage ,and that the shadow of the reel in the flickering light is the type of hologram image that they intend to use on their ‘tour’.
Well that is about it apart from to note that there were goings on today in the vale of honey (or as you say in the box set ‘Clonmel’ so called by the english which means absolutely nothing).
At the track at Cluain Meala in the first race a wonderfully names DIRTY STOPOUT finished sixth,whilst Fairyhouse was where i previously saw GETUPTHEMSTAIRS run .
Now where is my thesaurus?
Rory
Sail On Rory…I hope You both have a grand old time ….”Honeymooning in the Graveyard” ….. as good a place as any to get the ball rolling…Fish Supper in Hawick..you’re really pushing the boat out there Rory….I’ve offered to play support to Abba….. if the wages are right
Hello Christy,
Looking forward to hearing about the gig, if you get chance.
Sorry about the last post. I got carried away by your pregig descriptions.
I hope there’s more coming up for you now. I’ve sent off a couple of audition videos, heard nothing baxk so far.
Rebecca
Mornin’ Christy
It’ll be great to read about last night, whenever’s right…
Good to see mention of your 2020 lockdown sessions – they were/ are excellent. Recently, I watched youtube ep 8, starting with a mighty take on ‘Ordinary Man’ – audience views were well into the 30 000+…I’m responsible for a good few – but that’s a lot of folks dipping into your workroom!
Again – fair play to you and Andy. The 2020 sessions were an ace diversion at the time and are now ‘out there’ to be enjoyed as and when…
Have a good day
Dave
You have a phenomenal memory Christy ! Yes I’ve watched O’Donoghue’s Opera , though sad to do so since the passing of Marie Grehan (the Grehan Sisters) They were the soundtrack of my childhood.
The Grehan Sisters weaved a magic spell back in those halcyon days….Marie,Frances and Helen came to Prosperous,County KIldare in the mid 1960s.Our old friend (and publican) Pat Dowling drove up to Boyle,County Roscommon and brought the three Grehans to play in his alehouse. It was a night to remember. They ‘brought the house down’ with their wild infectious singing and playing, they won the hearts of all who heard them.Later some of us travelled up to Boyle to hear them play in their Mother’s pub.It was all a long time ago but their music still resounds in my old head.
I next hear them in Willesden Junction in London. Like myself they had emigrated across the water to try and make a living from their music. They were based in Chesire and told me about the Folk Circuit they were playing in the Northwest. They invited me to Manchester and introduced me to a number of Folk Clubs.Helped me get the start.
I have fond memories of heading to gigs in their manager’s Mini-Van. The 5 of us and instruments crammed in like sardines heading for Congleton or Bury or up and over to Leeds.
In recent times Marie passed and before that, brother Tony departed. Still in touch with Frances occasionally….She still sparkles,still plays a tune
you had a good soundtrack to your childhood
Go for it baby! The magic can’t be denied. Just get in there and take it.
Brilliant, Christy – thanks… I can picture the scene… I know it’ll be a wonderful gig for all Dave
done and dusted…I’ll post details later
Hi Christy,
I was just on YouTube and god knows what planet I’ve been on during Covid but I’ve only just seen/watched your Lockdown Sessions with your son Andy 🙂 they absolutely brilliant and I really enjoyed them all and see the natural conversation and time you spent with your youngest. I last saw you and Declan live here in the AB in Bruseels and befor that in Liverpool some years ago at the Philharmonic Hall. I’m still saddened by the loss of Liam O’Flynn. I heard Planxty while at school through a best freinds Folky brother who live in Northumberland back in the late 70s which us got off our behinds and visiting the Folk Club scene the Cross Key’s near the old Boxing Stadium in Liverpool, later to play myself and in past yars heer at the Brussels Folks Clubs La Porte Noir/Black Door until it closed, we’re all getting older from that scene (60 end of the month), I’ve followed you ever since those days and watching the lockdown sessions really brought all back to me. Your music really matters !!!!
Hi L.Smallshaw..
I too enjoyed those 8 lockdown sessions with Andy last year….they gave me a great lift at a low time…just the two of us here in the workroom…no sense of “production”….happy to hear they are still being heard on facebook….good to hear from you
Hello Christy,
The very best of luck for tonight. I hope it’s a cracker.
Going with the feel of the room is such a lovely way to do it.
Rebecca
the look of the crowd the smell of the crowd the feel of the room..I can hear them assembling outside ….a far cry from barrowlands but precious nevertheless
Mornin’ Christy
Very many thanks for the inside track on ‘Moving Hearts’ – fascinating and much appreciated info. I’ll check out the first album next.. forgot to say that it’s also an excellent band name!
Have a good day and terrific gig. It’ll soon be time to get the strings boiling!
As ever, thanks and all the best.
Dave
just squeezing into the corset here now Dave…100 yards from where that old Mailboat used to dock
Christy, hope you’re getting on well on these crazy times. Happy to see Declan McLaughlin, an artist I have talked about on here previously, has his new album “The Path of Most Resistance out on Spotify and all other streaming platforms. His song “Running Up Hill” is possibly the best I’ve heard about Bloody Sunday. Look forward to your review!
https://open.spotify.com/album/6CHp5ok14DAvQq2EYtgbnS?si=csAkkUAaQ7qKY9fncmaytg&dl_branch=1
we’ll be tuning in to Declan’s new album down here in Éire..thanks for the thumbs up
Hello Christy and All,
I wandered a Ross this yesterday. Right before reading Daves post about Moving Hearts.
https://youtu.be/gJh1DJSTbsM
From 1980?
You know, Christy, I think Tipping it up to Nancy got on board earlier than you’re thinking. Its on the Paddy on the Road album, as marrow ones.
Can’t sleep. I’m running two training sessions in the morning. No idea why I’m nervous.
Rebecca
spot on there in the Yorkshire a.m.
45 mins to showtime here in Dún Laoghaire
50 listeners in a 300 seater
precious
Jaypers Christy ! You remember them all and those no longer with us. As for the Dubliners….they made many a welcome assault on Donohue’s !!
until we all got barred when Maureen developed a distaste for long hair !! poor Paddy would be mortified having to ban lads with flowing locks on Maureen’s instructions…even the Hon Garech Browne got the bullet for his mullet …they’re all gone now ..Donoghue’s still there with different ethos in place…I’m remembering Wally The Coalman, Peter Mulready, Big George, The McKennas, fiddler Hughie, the barmen Tom,Matt and Liam, the jacks, the lane, the Holy Hour, John and Joe in the front lounge, the pretending not to notice when luminaries appeared, people sending themselves letters c/o O’D’s and then coming in to check the notice board…Andy Irvine wrote a song about O’Donoghue’s..I’ve mentioned it in two songs…what a great hub it was back then…have a look at O’Donoghue’s Opera on YouTube
Hi Christy
Having a vinyl session… greatly enjoying a blast of Moving Hearts ‘ Dark End of the Street’ from 1982 and watched the documentary (TG4?)on youtube.The presenter describes the band as a ‘zeitgeist’ of the era and I see exactly what he means – musically, the fretless bass is great and sums up the sound of the era.
It’s intriguing how the band was formed, how songs were selected and arranged via such diverse talents and interests. I’d welcome some insights, if you have chance.(I’m conscious of a pressing gig…)There’s such a wonderful mix of styles – and interesting to think that a decade earlier you were on the verge of such acoustic success with Planxty.
Viva diversity… all part of the journey.
Dave
1980 ish…I talked to Donal…I had songs, he had ideas…we made contact with Declan…started to play….Richie Buckley played a few gigs with us… then we met Keith…we were a four piece….Tommy Moore came in on Bass but left to play with Paul Brady….Eoghan O’Neill came along and made that berth his own…drums came next…we had no luck until Eoghan suggested Brian Calnan who came from Cork and sat in…from day one Donal and I wanted Uilleann Pipes….Davey Spillane came aboard the White Ghost and away we went…prior to Moving Hearts I had a crew which became part of the Hearts set-up when Norman,Matt and Cid joined our co-op….we were a 10 piece
the repertoire evolved…I came with songs and music was written….the first album came together quickly and organically…..bu the time Dark End came around cracks were beginning to emerge….I’ve not listened to that album for 37 years, recording it was a difficult time..I must listen again some time….
for me the high time of Moving Hearts was that first year….we played every Mon-Tue-Wed in the Baggott Inn Dublin…the atmosphere at those gigs was electric…the sparks still fly…..
of course not everyone approved of Moving Hearts…many kept their distance…but we soldiered on and eventually got an album deal ….despite nil air play that first Album went straight in at No 1…..we were playing The Castle in Salthill, Galway when news came through, next night was Hillgrove in Dingle where we celbrated Cid’s 40th Birthday…
We roared,we ranted, we raved..next day we packed The White Ghost and struck out for Tom Tracey’s in Waterfoard whereupon we limped back to The Baggott Inn in time to continue our residency
” Here He Comes Lookin for the rent
his greedy yellow eyes and his tongue all bent
O Landlord you treat me so cold
you got a mortgage on my body and the keys of my soul” (Jim Page)
When did Tipping it up to Nancy join the set? It must have been pretty early.
Another bodhran smasher.
I’m guessing here ..circa 1974
Hi Christy….On the subject of 50 years and crossing paths, I too have a similar memory of that time. I was the guitar player with a band called “Thatch” based in Dublin.. We were criss-crossing weekly between The Old Sheiling , Teach Furbo and places in between.I still have the memories and the guitar , though doing more writing now than playing.
So many potential gigs back then..I remember your band “Thatch”..also the Shieling, Furbo,Embankment, Hitching Post, Chariot, Slatterys, O’Mara’s, Parnell House, Abbey Tavern, The Swamp, Coffee Kitchen, Universal,Studio Club,….gig column in the Evening Press every day..Fridays was Gerry O’Grady’s “Folk Column” also in the Ev Press..every one rooting around to catch a few gigs….Danny Doyle, Johnny McEvoy,The Johnsons Al O’Donnell, Anne Byrne,Jessie Owens,Sharon Collen,Parnell Folk,Andy Irvine, Johnny Moynihan, the Prentice Folk,Ludlows, The Dubs, Press Gang,Gay &Terry Woods, Mellow Candle…RTE was still a closed shop with a crack opening in the door…Dominic Behan, Delia Murphy, The Clancy’s coming through as The Dubliners gathered themselves for a final assault on the corridors of Henry St & Montrose
That’s great, Christy – a wonderful song – I thought it might be ‘Spancilhill’…
I’m sure Dooneen will be resounding in Dun Laoghaire to the fortunate fifty.
You’re right about the faraway hills – but it was always a fine sight from a ferry,to see the distant Wicklow peaks gliding by… D
the late John Minogue of “The Hotel” in Tulla, County Clare, gave me the words of Spancilhill back in 1965..I began to sing it around 1970..prior to recording the Prosperous album….
You have great stories to tell, Christy…
50 years since our paths first crossed (not that you knew they had) – what adventures since… tomorrow’s gig will have a similar audience size to 1971. A different feel, in some ways. The main thing is you’re out there,gigging and fair play to you!
I probably should know, but what song has endured in the setlist for 55 years?
Enjoy the gig – ‘Dun Laoghaire’ conjures up many a memory of journeys, travels and family – ‘the B+I to paradise’…
Dave
“you may travel far far from your own native home
far away o’er the mountains far away cross the foam
but of all the fine places that I’ve ever been
there’s none to compare with The Cliffs of Dooneen”
written by Jack McAuliffe from Lixnaw …him gazing across the Shannon Estuary towards that wild West Coast of Clare….as we both well know Dave….those faraway hills always seem greener..until the morning after we get there
Here’s wishing you a great night!
Last Thu …..a Thousand listeners in Galway
Tomorrow….Fifty in Dun Laoghaire
one, a glorious Sportsfield on the edge of the Atlantic
the other, an intimate Art Centre by the margin of the Irish Sea
I’m anticipating a very different set but I’m gonna do it on the hoof, take it as I find it
equally daunted, just like I’ve always been, like I was in 1966 in The Old House at Home, Blakeley,Manchester….albeit with 55 years under my belt and more strings to my bow…only one song remains in my repertoire from that 1966 outing