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Remembering George C. Monagan
A Man of Great Character
1925-2005

Former Democrat and Chronicle sportswriter George Beahon on Monagan 1960-'61 (Thanks to Mike Fitzpatrick, '58)

Beahon on Monagan coaching McQ over AQ in '62 (.pdf).

Beahon on Monagan 1960-'61 (.pdf)

For some reason Coach Monogan allowed me to play varsity soccer as freshman and earn a letter sweater! Sometimes people see things in us we cannot see in ourselves and give us the gift growing in genuine self esteem. Thanks Coach.
Charles "Chuck" Kober, ' 65

I was very saddened to see the notice about the death of Mr. Monagan.  In addition to attending gym classes for four years with him, I played on McQuaid's soccer team under his coaching for three years. One word that comes to mind when I think of him is "character."  He was a very patient coach (this was in the days before McQuaid became a soccer powerhouse and he needed patience), but he could get worked up when the situation called for it.

One of the most singular moments I remember about my four years at McQuaid was one evening during the first home basketball game.  The team was not doing very well in the first half, and the boo-birds were in full throat.  When the buzzer sounded for the half-time intermission, Mr. Monagan strode purposefully to center court with his eyes blazing and shouted at those who were starting to leave the home team bleachers, "SIT DOWN!  SIT DOWN!"  Once he had quiet and the attention of the McQuaid fans, Mr. Monagan sternly said, "These visiting players and referees are my guests and the guests of McQuaid, and you will treat them with courtesy and respect! If you do not like a call or a play, shut up! And if you can't shut up, leave! Now, get out of here." And we meekly left the bleachers for the half-time break.  There were no boos for the rest of the game, and, in fact, I never heard another boo for the rest of the games I went to at McQuaid; I hope that the example that Mr. Monagan set continues to this day.

George Monagan was one of those people who made McQuaid a special place.  He will be missed.
Sean P. Maloney '62

For those of us who were at McQuaid when Mr. Monagan was the AD, it was a very special time. He was a wonderful individual, a true gentleman, and really one of a kind. I think that everyone admired and respected him, and I don't think I ever heard anyone utter an unkind word about him. Students had a genuine affection for the man. He was a fine example to us all.
Tim McMahon, '62

He was a wonderful coach and teacher.
John Clapp, '59

He lived a great life -- may we all live as well. I remember Coach George like it was yesterday, and YES, he was a very fine man in a time when we weren't yet a world of ME, ME, ME and money, money, money.
Bob Drons, '60