Donnybrook Golf Course Closes to Improve Sale Potential

Staff ReportsiBerkshires
03:16PM / Wednesday, December 06, 2023Print Story | Email Story

The 161-acre property is listed at $2.9 million.

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Donnybrook Country Club will cease operations as the Kelly family seeks to sell the property.

In a post on the club's website on Saturday, Matt Kelly said it was a tough decision to end what his father, Jim, had created but necessary in finding a purchaser for the 161 acres of land.

"The ultimate thing would be for someone to purchase Donnybrook, and keep the golf course running," he wrote. "We have had several parties interested in the property, but none of them wanted to keep the golf running. It has become clear to me, that in order to sell the property, Donnybrook Country Club must cease golf operations."

The property is listed on Realtor.com for $2.9 million, and has two houses, including the 1780 marble farmhouse and addition, four historic barns including a six-bay carriage barn and offices, and two ponds.

James JW Kelly had operated Brodie Mountain Ski Resort in New Ashford for nearly three decades before selling to Jiminy Peak in 1999. More a golfer than a skier, in his retirement, he began planning a nine-hole course on the family's Donnybrook Farm. It would take five or six years before the country club opened to the public in 2008.

"It was his dream to create a top-class golf center, where golfers could share his love of golf in his own beautiful setting," wrote Matt Kelly. "Through the years, Donnybrook had come to be the top-rated customer-reviewed course in Berkshire County. JW's dream was a great success."

But Kelly died in September last year at age 87 and Matt Kelly says he's not golfer and that Donnybrook is not his dream. Now ready for retirement himself, he's been looking to sell for some time.

"I have seen many great times, many happy gatherings, events, and tournaments. I have worked my father's dream for many years," he wrote. "It is time for me to move on to my own life. Thanks to all of you who made Donnybrook such a great place. I hope that in the future, just like our former Brodie Mountain Ski Resort, people will look back at Donnybrook with a smile."

Tags: golf course,

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Pittsfield Police Chief Retiring in January

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:28PM / Monday, December 22, 2025

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police Chief Thomas Dawley will retire next month after 24 years with the Pittsfield Police Department, and the mayor will appoint his successor.

Dawley's last day will be on Jan. 9, and he told iBerkshires that it was "just time." He began his law enforcement career in 1995 at the Berkshire County House of Corrections and was appointed police chief in June 2024.

"Reasons for leaving are cumulative. I have been in law enforcement for almost 30 years. There is no particular reason for my retirement, I just feel that it is time," he wrote in an email.

"I love the profession and love this department. The duties, responsibilities and obligations as a Chief are very demanding. It is a lifestyle, not a job. It is a 24/7–365 days a year responsibility."

According to The Berkshire Eagle, Dawley told Mayor Peter Marchetti of his intention to retire back in April but had kept the decision quiet. Marchetti is expected to choose his successor in the next couple of weeks.

Dawley, 52, was "honored and humbled" when he was chosen two years ago to succeed Michael Wynn, he said, and he misses being an officer out in the community, as the role of chief is more administrative by nature. He described the officers and civilian staff at the department as "the best of the best" and is proud of the "second to none" dedication, professionalism, and commitment they bring to work every day.

"Policing is different than it was 10-20 years ago and the profession is being tested daily," he noted.

"I want a new challenge and preferably something that does not involve law enforcement, but I am definitely not ruling it out!"

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