Dòmhnall Nìll Eòin Mhóir
Dan Neil MacNeil
Eachdraidh-bheatha | Biography
Dan Neil MacNeil “Danny Neil” was from Benacadie West. Born October 6, 1906, he was the son of Neil J. (son of Big Jonathan, son of Edward) and Mary Farrell (daughter of Donald, the son of Hugh the Irishman). This branch of the MacNeils traced their roots to the southern part of Barra before settling in the Iona area.
A large man in stature, Danny Neil moved to Sydney in the 1940s, where he secured work at the steel plant. He and his first wife, Catherine “Kate” MacNeil from Benacadie Glen, raised their three daughters in their home on the Esplanade, which became a lively céilidh-house in the heart of the city. For country folk visiting Sydney, a stop at Danny Neil’s was a must—his door was always open for a good cup of tea and some seanchas. Known for his fine singing, he was a cherished tradition-bearer who brought warmth and the rich Gaelic culture to his urban community.
After Kate’s passing, Danny Neil married Mary MacDonald Aboud, originally from Irish Cove, a kind and gracious woman who was also a Gaelic speaker. She too, shared Danny Neil’s love of the language and community life.
Danny Neil passed away on June 18, 1985 and is buried in Holy Cross Cemetery on Gritton Avenue in Sydney.