Dan O'Connell’s Traditional Pub, Knocknagree

By PAT FLEMING

Pat Fleming

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.

Dan O'Connell

LEFT: L-R: Julia Clifford on fiddle, Denis Murphy on fiddle, & Johnny O'Leary on accordion.

Dan O'Connell dancing

Johnny O'Leary on accordion & Tim Kiely on guitar, chatting between sets.

Set dancing in full swing in Dan O'Connell's Traditional Pub.

ABOVE: Dan O'Connell dancing. RIGHT: