Next Monday, 19th October, at 6.30pm, Fallons pub in the Coombe will be presented with a replica of legendary Irish boxer Dan Donnelly's preserved right arm. It will be mounted in a display case beside the bar, alongside two other Dan Donnelly pieces I previously sourced for Fallons.
Donnelly was one of Irelands earliest sporting heroes and a former owner of the pub. His victories over English opponents made him a symbol of Irish pride and resistance during British rule.
In 1815, Donnelly defeated English boxer George Cooper at Donnellys Hollow in the Curragh, before a crowd of about 20,000 spectators. The fight ended in the 11th round when Donnelly broke Cooper's jaw with a powerful right handed punch. As Donnelly made his way up the hill towards his waiting carriage, his supporters dug out the footprints he left behind, which can still be seen there today.
But perhaps the most interesting chapter of Donnellys story came after his death in 1820. His body was stolen by grave robbers from Bullys Acre in Kilmainham and later recovered, minus his right arm. The limb was preserved and began an extraordinary journey, passing through medical collections in Scotland, Victorian travelling shows and various Irish pubs.
In 1953, Donnellys arm found a home in The Hideout pub in Kilcullen, Co. Kildare, where it remained on display in a glass case for over 40 years, becoming one of the most unusual attractions in Irish pub history.
Following Culture Date with Dublin 8’s wonderful celebration of Dan Donnelly at the National Stadium earlier this year, its lovely to see the replica of his famous arm finding a permanent home in a pub with such a strong connection to the man himself. I’m delighted to have played a small part in helping make it happen.
The replica was created by artist Alan Clarke, and the presentation has been organised by Culture Date with Dublin 8 in collaboration with Fallons.
Historian Donal Fallon and Dan Donnelly biographer Patrick Myler will share a few words on the evening, with Patrick discussing the extraordinary history of Donnellys severed arm.
If you're in the area on Monday, come along to Fallons for a pint and see a piece of Dublin history find a permanent home on the pub wall.
Photo: Dan Donnellys preserved arm with Des Byrne at The Hideout pub, Kilcullen.
