In 1961, John Blackall of Doonbeg, Co. Clare, had a bold vision: to create an organization in New York dedicated to bringing together people from the Banner County. That vision became a reality on April 13, 1962, when 10 like-minded individuals from Clare gathered, drafted a set of by-laws, and officially established the Doonbeg Social Club in New York City.
At the time, no one could have predicted how long the new venture would endure. However, in the years that followed, the club flourished, with its membership growing steadily, its influence expanding and its presence becoming a vibrant thread in the fabric of the City’s Irish community.
Founded with the goal of “provid[ing] friendship, entertainment, and social co-existence among its members and friends from all parishes in County Clare” the Doonbeg Social Club has remained true to its mission and today stands as a lasting testament to the enduring bonds of community and heritage
Music has always been at the heart of the Doonbeg Social Club’s mission. It’s always had great music at their annual dinner dances. Why, the Joe Madden Orchestra was a common feature at these events in the 1960s and ‘70s. But informal sessions have been one of the club’s cornerstones, with some of the club’s “foundational” musicians being Pat Casey, Pat Henry, Gus Collins, Arthur O’Keeffe, Tom Reilly (whose brother Martin was just inducted in the Mid-Atlantic Comhaltas Hall of Fame), Seamus Hennigan and Liam Shanahan. A couple of other musicians, Pat and Michael Keough, whose father Pat served as the club’s president, were key players early on as well.
Indeed, over the years, members of the Doonbeg Social Club have helped shape New York’s Irish music scene. One notable example is John Blackall, the club’s founder, who, alongside Louis Quinn, co-chaired the very first Fleadh Cheoil held in the United States, in 1974 at the Irish American Center in Mineola. At that same event, Seán O’Shea, who would go on to become the club’s president in the 1980s, served as treasurer. (Incidentally, Seán’s grandson, noted New York button accordionist Séagda Coyle, has a deep connection to the Doonbeg Club. His mother, Margaret Coyle, a talented dancer, was actively involved for many years and also served as the club’s president. Adding to the legacy, core club musician Liam Shanahan was Séagda’s great-uncle.)
The Doonbeg Social Club continues to attract fine musicians, all of whom are valued members of the music community. These days, you’re likely to find the likes of Eileen Goodman, John Kennedy, Donna Kennedy, Brendan Fahy, Tom O’Grady, Denis Donoghue, Lisa Farber, Marie Reilly, Tracey Kingsley, Jim Hehir, Jerry Kennedy, and Kathleen Fitzpatrick playing away at club meetings. The music they make is lovely and every bit in the spirit of the Doonbeg Social Club’s old motto "Faithful, Friendly, Fraternal.”
This Sunday coming, the Doonbeg folks will honor one of their own, the storyteller, dancer, and singer James O’Neill. O’Neill was born in 1933 in Castletownroche, Co. Cork, and came to the United States in 1955, where he found fast work in his uncle’s Newark, N.J., bar. It was in Newark that he became a regular at dances and it’s also where he met and fell in love with Sarah. The two married in 1958 and went on to have four children and seven grandchildren. He spent his professional career working in the Millburn Board of Education’s maintenance department as a general foreman.
O’Neill has been part of the Doonbeg community for over 40 years. A familiar face at their céilís, he’s especially known for his captivating recitations. Interestingly, storytelling wasn’t a tradition in his own family. While he enjoyed it during his school days in Ireland, it was hearing Eamon Kelly on RTÉ radio that left a lasting early impression. Over the years, he gradually found his own voice, always managing to bring something fresh to the stage. These days, he draws inspiration from seanchaithe often through YouTube, and is particularly attracted to recitations by folks like Noel Joyce and Seamus O’Rourke.
Congratulations to O’Neill for the well-deserved recognition! And congratulations, too, to the Doonbeg Social Club for the fine work they’ve done and continue to do in the Irish Music community! The Doonbeg Social Club of New York’s meeting to honor O’Neill will take place at the Kerry Hall in Yonkers this Sunday, June 8. Hope to see you there!
