Christy Moore

I grew up listening to Christy Moore, as did many Irish people, and indeed people all over the world. He’s a folk singer and musician in the tradition of Woodie Guthrie and so many other greats who write, collect and interpret songs that capture and communicate the struggles and emotions that many of us face.

Christy’s songs gave me an education and an insight into areas of life and events in history that I otherwise may not have known about. He also brings great warmth, depth and fun to the mix, offered with a real sense of humanity and connection with the listener. Christy Moore has been singing and performing now for over 5 decades. Think about that, over 50 years making and sharing music.

Christy has been named Ireland’s greatest living musician and has recorded almost 30 solo albums and as well as many others as a founder member of legendary groups Planxty and Moving Hearts. Never shying away from the issues of the day, he has had songs banned and faced criticism along the way, but he continues to speak out and stand in solidarity with people, issues and causes that need support.

Christy was my number 1 choice of guest when I first started this podcast. He rarely gives interview or discusses his personal life but he nonetheless generously agreed to do an interview with me.

As with all of my interviews, this was totally unscripted. I didn’t prepare any questions in advance, preferring to take the approach of this being a conversation based on presence and connection in the moment so what you’re about to hear is very much a free flowing conversation. It was so free flowing that the interview started slightly unexpectedly with Christy announcing to me that he was going to sing a song straight away. I was slightly taken aback as I hadn’t my microphones full set-up and was searching in my bag for something but the moment just took off and pulled me in to the most incredible experience to have Christy sitting there in front of me singing accapella. The song was such a powerful one that you’ll hear by my reaction that I was literally lost for words for a few seconds.

This is a really rare and special interview and I hope you enjoy it. I put a lot of work into these podcasts so if you enjoy it please be sure to rate and review the Love and Courage podcast, subscribe to it if you haven’t already, donate if you can, and please please spread the word of this great episode far and wide including on social media where you can tag me. Just search for my name, Ruairi McKiernan, on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter etc.