Memories of the “Dale Road” Lixnaw Co. Kerry.
By Pádraig O’Duinneacha
The “Dale Road” Ahabeg Lixnaw when mentioned nowadays might not ring many bells with the people involved in traditional cultural activities, but long before Ceolann or indeed Comhaltas itself was heard of, the Dale Road was famous for its’ musicians, singers and dancers which led to the building of an open-air dance platform, by a man of great vision and foresight known all over North Kerry in the early teens, twenties and thirties as “Paddy Eoin” who persevered in spite of great opposition from Church and State to entertain and provide an outlet for people when Ireland was on its’ knees. He supplied most of the music himself for the dancers, but in those days musicians were as plentiful as dancers, and people often danced to what is locally known as “puss” music. The music of that great man continues to this day in a direct blood line through Danny O’Mahony of the Shannon Vale Ceili Band and six generations later in young Mikey Fealy Lixnaw, not yet ten years of age, showing tremendous promise.
Briseann an dúchas arís is arís eile.
Other well known singers from the “Dale” as it was known locally were the four Galvin brothers, two of whom were accordion players, five Dennehy brothers and their mother Nora. Aisling O’Hanlon singer and concertina player, Bridget O’Keeffe Casey and Kate Dennehy O’Connor concertina players. Mikey O’Connor, Melodeon. Mary Eoin O’Mahony Stack and her brother Patrick O’Mahony, both well known Melodeon players who were the children of the great man himself Paddy Eoin O’Mahony. The O’Sullivan brothers known as the Masters, famed for their storytelling, wit and wisdom. John O’Rourke, well known for his intelligent and entertaining use of the English language. Ann Sullivan O’Connor, Singer and Song writer. Ann O’Sullivan, Accordion player.
The Dale Road is situated on the main road between Abbeydorney and Ballyduff in between Ballinclogher Cross and Ahabeg Cross. Kerry County Council, in the interest of health and safety, enhanced the uniqueness of the place when they lowered and widened the road into what now looks like a super highway and, in doing so, brought peace and contentment to the local people, who feared for their lives from today’s fast-moving traffic. They are now living in peace and happiness with great memories of great people from a time long gone.
Ní bheidh a leitheidí ann arís go deo.
