Patrick Monaghan (1898 – 1976)

Patrick with Kevin Meehan in background, 1960s

Patrick was one of eleven children born to Brian and Mary Monaghan (née Meehan) at Drumkeelan and grew up in a vibrant area for traditional music, lilting and dance. While the fiddle was part of the tradition for several generations, the melodeon was a quite recent introduction in Patrick’s youth. He turned into a good strong player with a steady rhythm who was much sought after for house dances. Patrick’s first wife, Catherine Gillespie died young and he married a second time to Mary Meehan, a sister of Jim Meehan of Drimalost. Mary is remembered as a lively character and, as a daughter of Susie McGroarty, was full of music. Patrick was a fine, physically strong character and worked as ganger on the roads for Donegal County Council.