“I simply love playing there.”
One of Ireland’s best-known singer-songwriters returns to Limerick for two shows at University Concert Hall, starting with an already sold-out gig on Friday March 28 and again on June 13, 2025 (tickets available at UCH.ie).
Limerick Voice spoke to the ‘Ordinary Man’ singer, also widely known for hits such as ‘Ride On’, ‘Lisdoonvarna’ and ‘Joxer Goes to Stuttgart’. Christy played his first Limerick show back in 1965 and has always held a close affinity to the Treaty County.
“Back then I was a bank clerk in The National Bank, Askeaton, Co Limerick. It was a challenging time, all I wanted to do was sing. One night I was singing a few songs in Mai Collins’ pub on the Square in Askeaton when I was offered a gig in (I think) The Royal St George Hotel in the city. I was offered £5 to sing to American Tourists for 30 minutes, at the time I was earning £30 a month in the Bank. I did the gig and we raced back to Collins’ pub to spread the spoils.”
The Kildare native has toured the world over a 50-year career but has always made his affection for playing in Limerick commonly known, in particular his fondness for playing at University Concert Hall – one of his favourite venues in which to perform.
“Chuck Feeney’s is an outstanding venue. I always sing the praises of the generous benefactor whose philanthropy provides Limerick with the best University Theatre in Ireland. Purpose-built with great acoustics and sight lines, I simply love playing there – a great front of house people and top backstage crew as well. I love the drive into the campus and when time allows, I love to walk that bridge over the Shannon. It feels more like a Limerick gig than a student gig, Chuck’s Hall feels as if it has been embraced by the Shannonside city.”
University of Limerick staff and students may be familiar with the W.B. Yeats quote “And pluck till time and times are done, the silver apples of the moon, the golden apples of the sun”, taken from his poem “The Song of Wandering Aengus” and visible in various locations around the UL campus. Christy released his own version of Yeats’ poem in 1984, and I asked him if these lyrics have a particular meaning to him.
“It’s gorgeous to sing. The music was written by Judy Collins, I learnt it from Richie Havens at Woodstock. Yeats himself comes across as a bit of a pr*ck but without doubt he remains an outstanding poet. When it comes to singing the Hazel Wood I always remember my good friend the late journalist, Tommie Gorman.”
People of all ages across Ireland and beyond will have fond memories of “Joxer Goes to Stuttgart”, which Christy recorded following Ireland’s historic 1-0 victory over England in Germany at the European Championships in 1988. I asked him what inspired him to write such a historic song and why he thinks it went on to make the impact it did.
“We got a puncture outside Portlaoise on the way home from a gig in North Kerry. A frosty night, the spare wheel was also punctured. I was alone in the van for 3 hours; by the time the wheel was replaced, “Joxer” was written. It still engages; people who were not even born when Ray Houghton “stuck it in the net” still celebrate that golden goal. 35 years on, Joxer still pays the mortgage.”
Earlier this month we learned of the sad passing of Johnny Duhan in tragic circumstances. Duhan wrote ‘The Voyage’, which Christy later released in his 1984 album ‘Ride On’. He talks about how the song fell into his hands as well as his memories of the Limerick singer-songwriter.
‘The Voyage’ is 100% Johnny Duhan’s song, I was very fortunate to gain the privilege of singing it. I first met Johnny after hearing his song “El Salvador”; I tracked him down and he allowed me to record it on an album called “Ride On” in 1984. He contacted me two years later, we got together in my home in Rialto, Dublin and he played “The Voyage” for me. I recorded it on an album of the same name. Over the years it became a very popular song around the world…Johnny’s song is sung at wedding ceremonies, christenings and all sorts of social gatherings.”
“Johnny’s death last week shocked the music community…we all send condolences to his heartbroken family. He was a family man and a true artist, dedicated to writing songs and playing music.”
Six decades on from his first ever gig in Limerick, Christy is looking forward to being back at University Concert Hall and performing for fans from Limerick and beyond.
“If the Gatso man doesn’t get me, I look forward to returning to Plassey. It has always been a great venue for me, I’ll have some new songs and lots of old ones. I plan to have a new hairstyle and I’ve been rehearsing some new shapes and dance routines – come early, 8 o’clock start and I’m the support!”
Christy Moore returns to University Concert Hall on Friday March 28 2025 and again on Friday June 13 2025. For ticketing information and event details, visit UCH.ie or call the Box Office on 061 331549.