Christy Moore has saluted the talent and generosity of Ed Sheeran and says that he thinks that he Sheeran may even be related.
Speaking on the Late Late, where he performed tracks from his new album Lily, Moore revealed that Sheeran had visited his home on the day of his gig at Croke Park last summer to ask him in person to join to him on stage.
"It was amazing that he came and visited the house," Moore told host Ryan Tubridy. "And he came and visited us in the house on the afternoon that he was playing in Croke Park - and he was as cool and as laid back. A lovely guy."
Moore said he was tempted but ultimately declined.
"I realised, you know, Ed's audience are 16/18 and I just thought, 'Work away, Ed'," Moore said. "But we did say that maybe sometime we would do something together."
Moore and Sheeran jammed during his visit with the latter wondering what he should sing in Croke Park.
"I suggested that he might have a go at Molly Malone," said Moore. "He didn't know the song but we played it together in the afternoon and that night he went out in front of 80,000 people and sang Molly Malone. He's a really lovely young man. He's very, very special."
Six weeks after Sheeran's visit, there was a surprise for Moore.
"There was a knock on the door - I thought it was a mistake," he said. "It was delivery of a guitar. He had this guitar specially made for me as a gift, made by the wonderful guitar maker George Lowden up in Downpatrick. He presented me with this gift of a new guitar, which is the most beautiful instrument I've ever held. What a beautiful thing to do."
"Of course," Moore added. "I think we may be related... Because my granny was Ellie Sheeran. I think myself and Ed could be distant cousins!"
Read TEN's review of Christy Moore's new album Lily here.
Now that's what we call classic - @christymoore45 with #Planxty on @RTELateLateShow back in the day. #LateLatehttps://t.co/B63JwGwnoM
— RTÉ TEN (@RTE_TEN) May 20, 2016
