Feature
Dan O'Connell’s Traditional Pub, Knocknagree By PAT FLEMING
Sliabh Luachra Musician Dan O’Connell’s pub in Knocknagree was known all over the country for Sliabh Luachra music and dancing. I myself spent many Friday and Sunday nights there dancing sets, playing and learning tunes from some of the greats such as Johnny O’Leary, Maurice O’Keeffe, Mikey Duggan, Dan Jeremiah O Connor, Willy O’Connell and many more. The set dancing started at Dan O’ Connell’s on St Stephen ‘s night 1965 and rumour has it that it didn’t stop for 40 years. The famous Denis Murphy and Johnny O’Leary played the music for the sets there for many years and it became a cornerstone for Sliabh Luachra culture. Johnny O’ Leary, Tony McMahon and Noel Hill all recorded albums in the pub. Sadly the pub closed in 2007. For me - it was the pinnacle of great Sliabh Luachra music and set dancing. There has been nowhere to match it since.
ABOVE: Dan O'Connell. LEFT: L-R: Julia Clifford on fiddle, Denis Murphy on fiddle, & Johnny O'Leary on accordion. BELOW: Johnny O'Leary on accordion & Tim Kiely on guitar, chatting between sets.
ABOVE: Dan O'Connell dancing. RIGHT: Set dancing in full swing in Dan O'Connell's Traditional Pub. Issue 70 August 12th, 2022
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