Destruction at Donnelly's Hollow

The iconic monument to pugilist Dan Donnelly at Donnelly's Hollow has been seriously damaged by vandals.



Railings around the monument, erected in 1888 by public subscription, were torn down and attempts made to knock town the three part granite structure. The damage is understood to have been done last Sunday night as The Garda in Newbridge was notified on Monday.



The site of the monument is the natural ampitheatre on the edge of the Curragh where Donnelly had his most famous wins, over English pugilists Tom Hall and Tom Oliver.

It was also where pageants commemorating his fights were held in the early 50s, organised by Kilcullen Boxing Club. Jim Berney played the part of Dan Donnelly in these.

The damage required the use of a vehicle and a rope, and would have taken considerable effort.

Local people have described it as a disgrace. The hollow is a very popular place with families at weekends and summer evenings.

"The ironic thing is that the authorities regularly chase away courting couples at night, who really aren't doing anything," one man said today. "But they didn't see this happening. It's terrible. People from all over bring their children here, and I bring my grand-children regularly."

Dan Donnelly and his career was the subject of a TG4 documentary last December.


(Click above to go directly to Armelle's Kitchen.)