‘Doonaree’ composer to be remembered

Seamus Enright

A commemorative plaque, in honour of local woman Eilis (Farrelly) Boland, who penned the song ‘Doonaree’ which went on to be sung by international stars such as Ruby Murray and Vera Lynn is to be unveiled next week.
As part of the Dun a Rí House Hotel 20th anniversary celebrations, the hotel’s owners, the McMahon family will host the event at 4pm on Monday, August 4. It marks 60-years since the Kingscourt composer’s song became a huge hit around the world.
Mrs Boland was a member of the Farrelly family who resided in what is now the Dun A Ri House Hotel, before she moved to live in Dublin and married into the Boland family.
Mrs Boland’s daughter, Bronagh, will be in attendance, as will Matt Donagh, from Lower Main Street, Kingscourt who was the first person to sing ‘Doonaree’ in public.
“It would have been at a Christmas pantomine, either in late 1951 or early 1952 and I was chosen to stand up and sing the song. I didn’t know at that stage it would be as big a hit as it was,” recalls Matt.
The chestnut tree, mentioned in Mrs Boland’s song - “the wishing well, beyond the chestnut tree in a shady nook, by a winding brook…” - still stands today and is a feature of the parkland.

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The song became a chart hit in the 1950s, and brought international fame to the east Cavan town. Mrs Boland was also the composer of ‘Ballyhoe’, which went on to be recorded by many showband singers and dance bands.
Matt still sings, and fondly remembers singing ‘Doonaree’ to a packed local hall.
“It’s nice to see, and remember it’s where it all took place. The house where the hotel is now is where she would have been reared, and she has been a very important person for the town over the years.”