Navan lost one of its greatest sons with the sad passing of Raphy Monaghan over the weekend.

A very active sportsman in his younger days, he was a hard working right half forward on the Martry side which went under to an emerging Summerhill in the 1972 Meath intermediate decider.

Prior Raphy had lined out with the local Navan De La Salle at underage. He later returned to O Mahonys and became a regular fixture with the town sides second batch as they made some fine efforts to capture the intermediate championship during the late seventies.

No awards for Raphy on those intermediate fronts but he was successful with his work place team Navan Carpets. The Carpets were a dominant force on the Meath inter firms scene during the earlier part of the seventies. Again the long striding Raphy usually lined out in a wing forward berth.

With the work force then at peak numbers Navan Carpets were also fairly active in the local Navn town soccer leagues and with Raphy involved often entered the winners enclosure.

Pic courtesy Parkvilla FC

The eleven a side game was Raphy Monaghan's number one sporting outlet and there is no secret of his love affair with the local Parkvilla club. He was a regular between the posts and for both the Villa's first and second combinations touching over a decade. Indeed he was quite accomplished in a number of outfield positions.

A big Stoke City supporter in those days and with the demise of the Potters, Raphy in later years turned his affections towards Liverpool. He made regular trips to Anfield and was charmed with the Pool's table topping feats this past season.

The old Dalymount Park, later Lansdowne Road which was rejuvenated into the now splendid Aviva Stadium were all regular haunts for the Navan RM whose support of the Irish soccer team was unwavering.

The antics on the bus trip to Spain for the 1982 World Cup and led by the chauffeur in chief, the late Kerr Reilly, are still talked about around the town.

Raphy was a real sporting all rounder and later years saw him roaring on the exploits of the Leinster and Ireland rugby teams.

Raphy Monaghan acted as a barman in many of Navan's finer establishments for near on forty years and hence his extreme popularity. His ability to be polite, to conversate with and to care about his customer earned him many friends.

He was not a man of worldly possessions, rather his values lay with frienship, sincerity and good company.

Raphy's illness was a long ordeal but he carried on with his usual smile, turning down numerous offers of car trip to receive treatment. He did not as they say ''want to put anybody out''. Rather and typical of the man, he choose the trek to Dublin by bus.

A real character, in every good way and a gentleman, Raphael Monaghan went through life in a manner envied by many. Always positive, cheerful and with that broad grin.

As he would say to many over the years, '' Go on my son''. 

Farewell old friend. May your gentle soul rest in peace. 

Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.

(John Lynch)  

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