Irish Bareknuckle Legend.

[KOJOE90]

I am reading a book on Irish fighters at the moment and came across an interesting story of which I found a shortend version on the Internet.

Daniel Donnelly was born in Townsend Street, Dublin, in 1788. The Ireland into which he was born was a land characterised by colonial oppression, acute agrarian poverty, and burning patriotism. Just a decade later an ill-armed, Irish force, fuelled by a desperate nationalistic pride, and a vitriolic sense of idealism, rose in revolt under the assuasion of Theobald Wolfe Tone. The '98 Rebellion enjoyed a fleeting glimpse of success, before being brutally suppressed by the Crown. The subsequent death of Wolfe Tone left the Irish people leaderless and broken in spirit; in desperate need of a re-affirmation of identity and a re-kindling of patriotism.
Little is known of Donnelly's early life other than the fact that he was a carpenter and that he frequented taverns in which he could reputedly hold his own at hard drinking or hard hitting. He was eventually discovered by a Captain Kelly, a horse trainer from Maddenstown, who saw Donnelly demolishing friends and enemies with belligerent ease during a coffee shop brawl. Kelly, recognising Donnelly's potential, persuaded him to take up boxing as a career and brought him to train at his brother's residence in Calverstown, near Kilcullen. Donnelly's first recorded fight took place at the Curragh on September 14th, 1814.

The purse amounted to one hundred sovereigns and his opponent was the much vaunted Tom Hall. Extraordinary interest was aroused by this encounter, which, it is recorded, was witnessed by "not less than twenty thousand spectators." Little can be said of the fight itself. Donnelly won it in twenty minutes and duly spent the next five days celebrating his victory in a tavern in Kilcullen.

Donnelly's second and most famous fight took place at the spot now known as Donnelly's Hollow, a naturally perfect amphitheatre at the Athgarven end of the Curragh. His opponent was the mighty George Cooper, who just two years previously had fought the formidable Tom Oliver. In the minds of the populace Donnelly had come to epitomise the national struggle, championing their seemingly hopeless cause against the intransigent representatives of the Crown. Every coach, post-chaise, and brougham in Dublin crowded the roads to the Curragh, to witness this historic spectacle.

The Fight

The fight, which lasted eleven rounds, began shortly after 10am. Jack Coady attended Donnelly, whilst Cooper had Ned Painter in his corner. Donnelly's entry into the ring sparked rounds of generous applause, and his fine physique drew many comments from the appreciative crowd. The preliminaries having been dealt with, the contest began amidst a cacophony of noise.

The first three rounds were dominated by Donnelly whose sledge-hammer blows thrice floored the Englishman, to the accompaniment of thunderous applause from his delighted countrymen. The following three rounds however were most definitely Cooper's. His scientific methods allowed him to dodge Donnelly's bull-like rushes and counter with some solid head blows. The 7th and 8th rounds witnessed a show of colossal strength from Donnelly as he pursued his opponent around the ring connecting fearfully with blows to the head and temple. By the 11th round it was evident that Cooper, despite his indomitable spirit, could not win. Donnelly finally put an end to the hostilities by knocking Cooper senseless to the ground with two bludgeoning punches, the second of which caught Cooper on the mouth and broke his jaw-bone. Donnelly's emphatic victory was greeted by explosive roars of jubilation, as his followers invaded the ring to congratulate their conquering hero.

For all Donnelly's exuberance, prowess, and courage, he remained reckless in his style of living. Between 1815 and 1819 he was renowned more for his riotous living and extravagance than his pugilistic endeavour. Indeed, it was only under the greatest duress that he could be induced to settle down and train for his fight with Tom Oliver (which he won after 34 rounds). He was introduced to the Prince Regent (later George IV) who, on meeting Donnelly remarked, "I am glad to meet the best man in Ireland" to which Donnelly replied, "I'm not, your Royal Highness, but I'm the best in England.". This meeting led to a strong friendship, and Dan was later knighted, the last man so honoured during the Regency.

Sir Dan returned to Dublin and balladeers have described the wild scenes of enthusiasm and adulation that greeted him as he was chaired through the streets of Dublin. Though alert and wily inside the ring these traits deserted Donnelly outside it, where he was an easy and gullible target for tricksters. He died penniless at the early age of 32 on February 18th, 1820. His funeral cortege was enormous; thousands of his grief-stricken admirers lined the route, and carriages and carts loaded with flowers forlornly followed the hearse. His gloves were carried on a silken cushion, and he was laid to rest in Bully's Acre, Kilmainham, Dublin.

The Fate of Donnelly's Arm

Dan Donnelly's body, having been laid to rest in Bully's Acre, was not destined to remain undisturbed. It was stolen by medical students - an act which instigated riots - despite which the students were successful. The body was purchased from them by the eminent Dublin surgeon, Hall, who, having removed the right arm for the purpose of studying the muscle structure, respectfully re-buried the body. Surgeon Hall transported the arm to Scotland where it remained undisturbed for many years before being purchased by a roving circus man who exhibited it throughout the country in a 'peep show.'

It later came into the possession of an affluent Ulster bookmaker, Hugh 'Texas' McAlevey, himself a boxing fan. Upon his death the arm was procured by Tom Donnelly, a well known wine merchant and sportsman, who presented it to 'The Hide-Out' pub in Kilcullen. After a lapse of over a century, Sir Dan Donnelly's right arm, the bane of many a pugilist, came to rest in the village near which he had trained and triumphed

[lamphey]

I am reading a book on Irish fighters at the moment and came across an interesting story of which I found a shortend version on the Internet.

Daniel Donnelly was born in Townsend Street, Dublin, in 1788. The Ireland into which he was born was a land characterised by colonial oppression, acute agrarian poverty, and burning patriotism. Just a decade later an ill-armed, Irish force, fuelled by a desperate nationalistic pride, and a vitriolic sense of idealism, rose in revolt under the assuasion of Theobald Wolfe Tone. The '98 Rebellion enjoyed a fleeting glimpse of success, before being brutally suppressed by the Crown. The subsequent death of Wolfe Tone left the Irish people leaderless and broken in spirit; in desperate need of a re-affirmation of identity and a re-kindling of patriotism.
Little is known of Donnelly's early life other than the fact that he was a carpenter and that he frequented taverns in which he could reputedly hold his own at hard drinking or hard hitting. He was eventually discovered by a Captain Kelly, a horse trainer from Maddenstown, who saw Donnelly demolishing friends and enemies with belligerent ease during a coffee shop brawl. Kelly, recognising Donnelly's potential, persuaded him to take up boxing as a career and brought him to train at his brother's residence in Calverstown, near Kilcullen. Donnelly's first recorded fight took place at the Curragh on September 14th, 1814.

The purse amounted to one hundred sovereigns and his opponent was the much vaunted Tom Hall. Extraordinary interest was aroused by this encounter, which, it is recorded, was witnessed by "not less than twenty thousand spectators." Little can be said of the fight itself. Donnelly won it in twenty minutes and duly spent the next five days celebrating his victory in a tavern in Kilcullen.

Donnelly's second and most famous fight took place at the spot now known as Donnelly's Hollow, a naturally perfect amphitheatre at the Athgarven end of the Curragh. His opponent was the mighty George Cooper, who just two years previously had fought the formidable Tom Oliver. In the minds of the populace Donnelly had come to epitomise the national struggle, championing their seemingly hopeless cause against the intransigent representatives of the Crown. Every coach, post-chaise, and brougham in Dublin crowded the roads to the Curragh, to witness this historic spectacle.

The Fight

The fight, which lasted eleven rounds, began shortly after 10am. Jack Coady attended Donnelly, whilst Cooper had Ned Painter in his corner. Donnelly's entry into the ring sparked rounds of generous applause, and his fine physique drew many comments from the appreciative crowd. The preliminaries having been dealt with, the contest began amidst a cacophony of noise.

The first three rounds were dominated by Donnelly whose sledge-hammer blows thrice floored the Englishman, to the accompaniment of thunderous applause from his delighted countrymen. The following three rounds however were most definitely Cooper's. His scientific methods allowed him to dodge Donnelly's bull-like rushes and counter with some solid head blows. The 7th and 8th rounds witnessed a show of colossal strength from Donnelly as he pursued his opponent around the ring connecting fearfully with blows to the head and temple. By the 11th round it was evident that Cooper, despite his indomitable spirit, could not win. Donnelly finally put an end to the hostilities by knocking Cooper senseless to the ground with two bludgeoning punches, the second of which caught Cooper on the mouth and broke his jaw-bone. Donnelly's emphatic victory was greeted by explosive roars of jubilation, as his followers invaded the ring to congratulate their conquering hero.

For all Donnelly's exuberance, prowess, and courage, he remained reckless in his style of living. Between 1815 and 1819 he was renowned more for his riotous living and extravagance than his pugilistic endeavour. Indeed, it was only under the greatest duress that he could be induced to settle down and train for his fight with Tom Oliver (which he won after 34 rounds). He was introduced to the Prince Regent (later George IV) who, on meeting Donnelly remarked, "I am glad to meet the best man in Ireland" to which Donnelly replied, "I'm not, your Royal Highness, but I'm the best in England.". This meeting led to a strong friendship, and Dan was later knighted, the last man so honoured during the Regency.

Sir Dan returned to Dublin and balladeers have described the wild scenes of enthusiasm and adulation that greeted him as he was chaired through the streets of Dublin. Though alert and wily inside the ring these traits deserted Donnelly outside it, where he was an easy and gullible target for tricksters. He died penniless at the early age of 32 on February 18th, 1820. His funeral cortege was enormous; thousands of his grief-stricken admirers lined the route, and carriages and carts loaded with flowers forlornly followed the hearse. His gloves were carried on a silken cushion, and he was laid to rest in Bully's Acre, Kilmainham, Dublin.

The Fate of Donnelly's Arm

Dan Donnelly's body, having been laid to rest in Bully's Acre, was not destined to remain undisturbed. It was stolen by medical students - an act which instigated riots - despite which the students were successful. The body was purchased from them by the eminent Dublin surgeon, Hall, who, having removed the right arm for the purpose of studying the muscle structure, respectfully re-buried the body. Surgeon Hall transported the arm to Scotland where it remained undisturbed for many years before being purchased by a roving circus man who exhibited it throughout the country in a 'peep show.'

It later came into the possession of an affluent Ulster bookmaker, Hugh 'Texas' McAlevey, himself a boxing fan. Upon his death the arm was procured by Tom Donnelly, a well known wine merchant and sportsman, who presented it to 'The Hide-Out' pub in Kilcullen. After a lapse of over a century, Sir Dan Donnelly's right arm, the bane of many a pugilist, came to rest in the village near which he had trained and triumphed

If you want to read more on Dan Donnelly ...... check out the biography written on him by Patrick Myler. It was published back in the 70's but should be easy enough to find through the book dealers.

[KOJOE90]

If you want to read more on Dan Donnelly ...... check out the biography written on him by Patrick Myler. It was published back in the 70's but should be easy enough to find through the book dealers.

Cheers.

[The Great John L]

Thanks, a nice read. I remember reading about him in one of the many boxing mags I subscribed to in the 70's. It's nice to see him getting some mention on this site.

[barry]

I have the book on Donnelly, but haven't read it yet. "Regency Rogue: Dan Donnelly His Life and Legends." It looks pretty interesting and I might start on it some time this week.

Another book that I would suggest on bare-knuckle boxers is "Black Genesis: The History of the Black Prizefighter 1760-1870." That is the last book that I read and it was a very, very good read!

One of the most interesting Irish bare-knucklers that I have ever read about is Yankee Sullivan. That cat led an interesting and very violent life.

[KOJOE90]

One of the most interesting Irish bare-knucklers that I have ever read about is Yankee Sullivan. That cat led an interesting and very violent life.

Wasn't a few of the characters in the film Gangs Of New York based on Sullivan and some of his opponents, friends etc?

[sockdolager]

how did these bare knuckle fighters keep thier hands from turning into mush? They must have done some impressive body work because I cant see anyone hitting another man in the face over and over w/o breaking his hand.

[JC]

I believe the George Cooper mentioned in the story was an ancestor of Henry Cooper, or at least that's what I read in a recent Biography.

[surf-bat]

how did these bare knuckle fighters keep thier hands from turning into mush? They must have done some impressive body work because I cant see anyone hitting another man in the face over and over w/o breaking his hand.

They usually didn't have as many fights as their later counterparts.

[-KOKid-]

I too have this book but not gotten around to reading it yet.
Should be good though, Patrick Myler always delivers the goods and is fast becoming the best boxing author around.
Other fine works by him are:

- Gentleman Jim Corbett - The Truth Behind A Boxing Legend
- Ring of Hate
- The Fighting Irish - Ireland's Role in Boxing History


-KOKid-

[-KOKid-]

If anyone of you will be attending this Irish exhibition, take note of the lenght of Donnely's arm. Supposedly they were exceptionatley long.
In Myler's book there is a picture of him holding the arm and, sure enought it looks long. But since there is no mention of how large a man Myler is, one might be given the wrong impression.

-KOKid-

[robert.snell1]

how did these bare knuckle fighters keep thier hands from turning into mush? They must have done some impressive body work because I cant see anyone hitting another man in the face over and over w/o breaking his hand.

some of the training methods were a bit odd but clearly worked. one was punching the bark of trees--honest.

[robert.snell1]

One of the most interesting Irish bare-knucklers that I have ever read about is Yankee Sullivan. That cat led an interesting and very violent life.

Wasn't a few of the characters in the film Gangs Of New York based on Sullivan and some of his opponents, friends etc?

yes some of the people did actually exist and were in the film.notably morrisey.this is some details of that period and the people involved

average fighter
The Washington Post 1905

At the time, when Hyer, Sullivan,and Morrissey flourished, in New
York, feeling between the Native Amerircan and the Tammany parties
-was very bitter. The native Americana or Know Nothings promulgated
a political platform which was calculated to restrict preferment
to native-born persons. This did not meet with the approval of the Tammany party, in which many Irishmen were enrolled.

Bill Poole, the great rough and tumble fighter, who afterward met Morrissey inthe famoua dock fight at the foot of Canal street, New York, was the leader of the Washington Market faction of the Native American party, Hyer, also a butcher Inthe Washington, (Market, was affiliated with the Native Americana.

Morritsey a Tammanyite.

John Morrissey, then assuming prominence in affairs of Tammany Hall, verynaturally came Into opposition to Poole and Hyer, because he was to his party what they were to theirs, a first-class fighting man-. After Yankee Sullivan had fought and beaten, but lost the decision to Morrisey on -a Job, near Buffalo," Poole and the Native Americans started to provoke Morrisey into fighting Hyer, who had beaten Sulllvan at Baltimore.

Hyer was a giant, 6 feet 5 inches tall,and weighing 180 pounds. Sullivan was a 160 pounder and 9 Inches less in height than Hyer. He was clever and game, but he could not get beyond the long reach of Hyer, who gave him an unmerciful drubbing.

As Sullivan had previously proved equal to cutting Morrissey to shreds, the Native American panry -was encouraged to match Hyer against the latter, Sullivan, always game, was willing to fight, but his party, -with whom he was immensely popular, had more sense than Morrissey had. It refused to allow him to meet Hyer.

Bill Poole and his friends started a systematic -campaign to drive Morrissey Into fighting Poole rough and tumble. They dared Morrissey to come down on the dock. Morrissey would not, take the dare.Hyer was a much larger man In height than. Morrissey, but Poole and he were well matched in size. They fought an awful battle, biting, gouging, kicking, and doing everythlng possible to each other.


After an hour of fighting up and own in which Morrissey was given rather the worst of it spectators who had some sparks of humanity left, separated them,when they were lying down gnawing each other like dogs.

Baker Shot and Killed Poole.

Morrisseys friends were angered at the setback suffered 'by their champion. Theydared Poole to meet Morrlssey at Stanwick's, a famous restaurant and saloon on Murder -Bow, Broadway, between Houston and Bleecker Poole, deadly game as Morrisseyy, accepted the defiance, He went, met Lou Baker, had an argument with him. Started to do Baker, and was shot and killed. Baker went to sea, but so strong was his
party that it had a ship of war sent after hirn. He was arrested on the high seas taken back, tried, and acquitted of murder.

Morrissey never met Hyer, though for years Hyer looked for a fight. Morrissey was eager to battle,but his friends,fearing results, would not permit him to do so.

The famous fighter, who later was a State Senator and Congressman, was a man of some 5 feet 10 Inches, weighed 160 pounds He had a tremendous head, was loose-Jointed, splay-footed and awkward. He, was a poor boxer, but a hard hitter and of unequaled pluck. Yankee Sullivan, a much smaller man, gave him a terrific drubbing. It is said by a spectator at the fight that Sullivan fairly
crunched the bone in morrisseys nose by repeated left-hand punches. So badly was the organ Injured that Morrissey never could have It restored. He went to his grave suffering from the effects of the beating Sulllian gave him.

.This Sullivan was a man with a history. exiled from Ireland for a political offense to Australia, he began his fighting in New Tasmania . It is said that while in prison in Ireland, on board ship and In Australia, be was repeatedly flogged; indeed had his back cut to ribbons In efforts to make him divulge the names of his conspirators against the British, government to Ireland.

After serving years in the penal settlements he escaped to America. He fought some unimportant battles here, then went abroad and beat Hammer Lane, 'then a great English middle-weight. Coming from America earned him the name of Yankee. He was very clever. Hammer' Lane, whom he beat, was quite as good a man as Tom Sayers, the famous champion of the world, who fought Heenan the great draw for the first international Anglo-American championship.

Hyer Idol of His Party.

After Hyer beat Sullivan he became the Idol of his party In New York. He went Into business, but failed to prosper. Dissipation resulted in an early death. He died in a furnished room on Fourth street, abandoned by all save a few friends of the ring. Hyer was a handsome fellow and hard fighter, but knew very little of the fine art of boxing. Tall and of great bone, he did not weigh over 175 pounds when reduced to the fine condition pugilsts of his day affected when fighting. He was a graceful, dashing, stylish chap, a fine dresser and looker.

Morrissey was anything but clever. His great hold was to butt with his head. He could butt a hole In the side of a battleship,and in his fight with Poole did his prettiest in this line.He was a man of worth and parts. Hemade much money, owned a big cafe in New York, the race track at Saratoga.Politically he could have anything he wanted In New York. When John Kelley,who succeeded Tweed as chief of Tammany Hall, opposed Morriseey for election,he printed pamphlets calling him every name he could think of.

Morrlssoy ran independantly. Despite the wonderful power opposed to him he was triumphantly elected by the Tammany men themselves. It Was one of the few times the members of that organization rebelled and refused to do their leader's bidding.

In later years Morrissey speculated onWall street. That made him die poor.
his wife was, after his death,a charge on his friends.

[KOJOE90]

Hi Rob, hope you are well.

Thanks for the information.

[mrbassie]

Upon his death the arm was procured by Tom Donnelly, a well known wine merchant and sportsman, who presented it to 'The Hide-Out' pub in Kilcullen. After a lapse of over a century, Sir Dan Donnelly's right arm, the bane of many a pugilist, came to rest in the village near which he had trained and triumphed[/b]

been there (the pub), seen it. Looks like an old branch.

[KOJOE90]

Patrick Myler always delivers the goods and is fast becoming the best boxing author around.

I agree he is a very good writer.

[robert.snell1]

Hi Rob, hope you are well.

Thanks for the information.

doing very well thanks for asking.love the article you posted, which will come as no surprise to you as all that era is so facinating to read about.just waiting for barry to post a list of fights as he is a nut on such things - only kiding barry -

i have often thought that a study of the history of boxing is one of the best means of following social changes and attitudes in both europe and north america etc. It appears that the majority of people using the various boxing forums dwell upon the racial aspects quite heavily, and quite correct to do so, but to a lesser degree look at the economic aspects of the sport.

a large number of the fighters, in the early days, did it to get extra cash to feed their family, and themselves, and not with some stary idea of being a champion.

i am fortunate to have access to a financial ledger which shows the amounts the guys were paid and it does begger belief what they did for such small amounts of money - this is from 1935-50 approx -

boxers over the years appear to have one thing in common above all other matters

they died broke

[KOJOE90]

A picture of the arm here.

http://www.thesweetscience.com/boxing-a ... 2/arm-man/