Sad passing of the late Eamonn Monaghan, Mountcharles

South Donegal lost one of its most original and influential contributors to life in the area with the sad passing on Monday of the late Eamonn Monaghan, Drimkeelan, Mountcharles.

A man of many talents - a poet, nationally renowned stone heritage expert, amateur archaeologist and proud Irish nationalist, he was a gifted communicator who has been publishing and contributing to many valuable and important pieces of historical writing, reflection and analysis for decades.

His passion and enthusiasm for Irish history and politics brought it to life, raising public awareness and interest across society for today’s generation.

He once said in a documentary made on his life in rural Donegal: “You think the right things, and you do the right things.

“I don’t think anyone should be scared of that. You have to be content with what you have, not be too greedy and not be too begrudging. It’s a natural thing to get old, very natural.”

His knowledge of folklore and wildlife, combined with his innate musical ability also saw him encapsulate in verse scenes from the lives and times of people down the years.

He was a noted lilter, whistler, singer, dancer and storyteller who took great pride in the music and traditions in his local area.

Born in 1929, he was surrounded by a strong tradition of dance music through his uncles Eddie, Patrick and Johnny as well as surrounding neighbours.

He had a deep appreciation for lilting, dance and the otherworld aspects which is evident in many of his poems including Lake of Shadows and The Old Rambling House and The Green Woods of Drumboe.

As a member of the Monaghan family with a history of stone mining, Eamonn had a wealth of first-hand knowledge of the stone heritage of this area. He was nationally known as an expert in this field.

He was very proud of the sandstone mines of Upper Drumkeelan where his father and ancestors worked as stone masons as far back as the 12th century.

He used to love telling how the valley of Drimkeelan is the only location in Ireland where sandstone is mined. These mines were first excavated by Cistercian monks and sandstone from this quarry was used in the building in many significant buildings including Saint Eunan’s Cathedral in Letterkenny and the National Museum in Dublin. Legendary fiddler, the late John Doherty, was a regular visitor to the house and Eamonn published a poem in his honour titled The Fiddler.

Mr Monaghan passed away peacefully at Letterkenny University Hospital. He will be sadly missed by his sisters, Mary, Lelia, Sheila, Rita and Anne, his nieces and nephews, extended family and friends in the Mountcharles and surrounding areas.

He was predeceased by his parents, Brian and Lelia, his brother Brianey and sister Nora.

His Requiem Mass took place yesterday, Wednesday, at the Church of the Sacred Heart Mountcharles followed by burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.