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O’Donoghue’s Opera (IN COLOUR) starring The Dubliners and Johnny Moynihan
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O'Donoghue's Opera is an Irish film starring Ronnie Drew and his bandmates in The Dubliners. The film is a mock opera, based on the ballad "The Night That Larry Was Stretched". It was shot in 1965, but was left uncompleted after the film's production ran into financial difficulties. Although the negative had been long destroyed, the working copy and various outtakes survived, allowing for its recovery. In 1996 filmmaker Sé Merry Doyle of Loopline film oversaw its restoration, and it was first shown at the Dublin Film Festival in 1997. Producer Seamus Byrne's first job in the film industry was on this film working with the assistant director and the art director. Dubliners fans should note that this film does not include Luke Kelly--it was filmed during the period between the first and third albums, when Kelly was in England as a solo act. Instead, it includes his replacement, Bobby Lynch (it also includes the band's other new member, John Sheahan...who is the only surviving member of the band The legendary Ronnie Drew plays the lead. Playing the role of a one-man Greek chorus is Johnny Moynihan. Criminally under-remembered today, Moynihan was a seminal figure in the Dublin folk scene (known as "The Bard Of Dalymount"), and formed Sweeney's Men with Andy Irvine in the mid 60s, which was one of the first Irish folk bands to have Irish chart success ("Old Maid In A Garrett" reaching #6 in 1967 and "Waxie's Dargle" hitting #5 in 1968). He was also a member of Planxty (replacing Dónal Lunny), and appeared on that group's COLD BLOW AND THE RAINY NIGHT album. He then joined De Danann (appearing on the SELECTED JIGS, REELS & SONGS album). He also helped form The Fleadh Cowboys. He is also credited with introducing the bouzouki to Irish folk music. Moynihan bought his first bouzouki from a friend called Tony Ffrench, who had brought it back to Ireland from Greece but decided he couldn't play it, or didn't want to. At first, the other Sweeney's weren't too keen on Moynihan's new instrument, until the evening when he and Irvine worked out an intricate harmony for bouzouki and mandolin while rehearsing "Rattlin' Roarin' Willy." Interestingly, at 3:23 he can be seen holding the instrument while offering the girl sketching Drew a cigarette. Also appearing in the film are Maev Mulvaney & Amanda Douglas, Trevor Crozier, and The McKenna Folk Group. Colorized using Pixbim AI
John Moynihan is an Irish folk singer, based in Dublin. He is often credited with introducing the bouzouki into Irish music in the mid-1960s.
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A Glimpse of 1960s Dublin Folk Scene: "O'Donoghue's Opera" Rediscovered
In the midst of the British Invasion, a lesser-known chapter in Irish folk music history was unfolding. The footage of "O'Donoghue's Opera" (1965) is a rare gem that offers a unique glimpse into the creative ferment of 1960s Dublin. This mock opera, starring Ronnie Drew and his bandmates from The Dubliners, has been lost to time until its recent restoration.
The film's significance lies not only in its historical context but also in its artistic merit. Shot on a shoestring budget, "O'Donoghue's Opera" is a testament to the resourcefulness of Irish folk musicians during this period. The working copy and outtakes that survived the negative's destruction allowed for its recovery, thanks to filmmaker Sé Merry Doyle's efforts in 1996.
Johnny Moynihan's contribution to the film as the "one-man Greek chorus" is particularly noteworthy. A pivotal figure in Dublin's folk scene, Moynihan was a key player in introducing the bouzouki into Irish music. His influence can be seen in his work with Sweeney's Men, Planxty, and De Danann, among others.
The film's context also highlights the fluidity of musical collaborations during this era. Ronnie Drew, the lead actor, was a member of The Dubliners, while Moynihan was part of Sweeney's Men. This overlap is characteristic of the Dublin folk scene in the 1960s, where musicians frequently crossed paths and collaborated on various projects.
The absence of Luke Kelly from the film is also intriguing. Kelly's departure from The Dubliners to pursue a solo career left an opening for Bobby Lynch, who would later become a key figure in the band's lineup. This period marked a significant transition for The Dubliners, as they adapted to changing musical landscapes and personnel.
Watching "O'Donoghue's Opera" is like stepping into a time capsule of 1960s Dublin. The footage offers a unique perspective on the city's folk music scene during this pivotal moment in history. With its rich cultural heritage and creative energy, "O'Donoghue's Opera" is a must-see for fans of Irish folk music and anyone interested in the lesser-known stories of the 1960s.
The film's rediscovery serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. The efforts of Sé Merry Doyle and others have ensured that this lost chapter in Irish folk history will not be forgotten. As we watch "O'Donoghue's Opera," we are transported to a bygone era, one that continues to inspire and captivate audiences today.
The final shot of Johnny Moynihan, resplendent in his bouzouki-playing persona, is an enduring image that lingers long after the credits roll. His legacy as "The Bard Of Dalymount" lives on through his music, a testament to the enduring power of creativity and collaboration in Dublin's folk scene.
Curated from public records and music databases.
