The O'Connells Arms stood at the bottom of Oldham Road between the still standing Cheshire Cheese and the still open Crown & Kettle, facing the Dog & Partridge on the corner of Henry Street. These photos from 1959, 1961 and the 1970s show it as a Chesters and then a Whitbread house. According to Mick Burke "the Navvies straight off the boat from Ireland would seek out Peter McCann, the gaffer from the Electricity Board, at the O'Connells and ask him for work. They could sup beer all day and still shift earth like mechanical diggers [1]." It shut in 1982. This suggests that the O'Connells became the Express Club - anyone confirm?
Henry Street, Oldham Road. (c) Google 2010. View Larger Map.
1. The Old Pubs of Ancoats, Neil Richardson (1987).
Hell that takes me back a bit,I worked at Blue Star garage about1951/2,drank in the O`Connell at dinner time,happy days,KEN.
ReplyDeleteCheers Ken, any further memories of the place? What was the ale like in the '50s? We still sup in the Shamrock, the defiant survivor of old Ancoats
ReplyDeleteI have vivid memories of being raised in the Dan's as a child.I can remember one night when I was very young.I was using the urinal and a man came next to me and said 'hurry up or that man will chop your willy off'When I looked up I could see the Red Crusader looking down at me from the Express building.I went sceaming to my dad.lol
ReplyDeleteMy grandfather was the land lord their in the sixties or seventies not exactly shure when.
ReplyDeleteAnyone remember him or have any stories.
He always made shure the beer was good quality. Lol
Ha forgot to put his name. John o'connell
DeleteThe Dan was converted into a Club mainly used by Express lads - me included. It only opened in the evening until last man standing, mainly because it fitted in with the shift patterns on the Express. The owners used to have another club on the same street called the Stereo Club, which closed when The Dan opened - again mainly for Express lads. There was also the Crusader Club on Luna Street just round the corner.
ReplyDeleteMolly and Martin Kelly had the Dans from approx 1967 til 1974/75. The bar was frequented by Irish and by the Press lads. The Press lads in those days worked 1/2 hour on 1/2 hour off and could always rely on getting a pint after hours by knocking on the vault window. There were many pubs in that area run by Irish landlords ie White Bear The Saint Vincent, The Exile of Erin, and many more.
ReplyDeleteAs a young kid I remember being brought up in the pub. Martin & Molly Kelly are my parents. It was hard work though, as I was often behind the bar or doing cellar work. The early days were the best (we moved to the Dan's from the Albert Hotel in Chorlton on Medlock which is opposite the M/c Museum) in 1966. That pub was also known as 'The Glue Pot' (another big Irish pub). Some great memories of both places, especially the live music. I remember 'Harry' and 'Knocker' two old barrow boys, who would always do a good turn for e free pint.....wonderful people.
ReplyDeleteHi my name is Donna I went to school with Mary we went to st Patrick’s school does anyone know anything about How Mary is doing 💕
DeleteHi Donna,
DeleteMary is fine and about to retire (as I am too). She is living in Stretford these days.
Atb / Michael Kelly
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ReplyDeleteSorry, a mistake to my comments above... it was Harry 'Knocker' and ch ch Charley (stutter),,, two great characters, and the salt of the earth !!... wonderful people and wonderful times......
ReplyDeleteI used to use the o Connell arms around 1969/70 when i came to Manchester to watch united the landladies son was Michael Kelly i was good friends with Peter Franklin great days
ReplyDeleteI remember you well Len. Your mother looked after me when I stayed at your place in London, (around 1973 time I think)... I remember Peter & Norma Franklin well too.... a lot of water under the bridge since then...
ReplyDeleteAncoats amazing area. I absolutely loved growing up there. My family lived at the Dan O Connell from late 1965 until1973/4. I was a Tom boy playing football with the lads around the corner the families there Henshaws Redmans Burtons Sheridans plenty more. St Michael’s the Italian church which is closed now but not forgotten by the Italian people. They still walk during whit week from St Michael’s. My family went to St Patrick’s ( most of us ) down the Road. I have to say it’s lovely to hear from you Donna I so remember you and your brother. How are you? The only person I’ve heard from ( who went to St Patrick’s ) is the Dillion’s who had the White Bear on Swan street. The men that work at the Express had nick names. Protestant Bill as well as Catholic Bill. The Professor etc. Mum would have the Vault bar lined up with pints waiting for them 🤣🤣 during one of their many breaks. They would bring Black pudding in for us to cook for them. Ann ( can’t remember her last name ) had the Express club across from the Dan’s, many of the express lads started to go there as it was open until 2am. she also owned the bathroom shop between the Dan’s and the Crown and Kettle. Good to hear from you Donna. Mary Kelly
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