Irish footie world in shock as club legend dies in freak accident involving his own car
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A FUNDRAISER has been launched for the grieving family of a Bohemians club legend after he lost his life in a tragic accident involving his own car.
Derek ‘Mono’ Monaghan - a well-known fan and club volunteer at Bohs - died in the incident close to his native Cabra, Dublin, on Wednesday night.
Sources described the crash in the Grangegorman area of the capital as a freak accident.
Cops have launched an investigation into Mono’s death, but it is understood it is being treated as a tragic accident.
A Garda spokesperson told the Irish Sun: “Gardai attended the scene of an incident on private property in the Grangegorman area of Dublin 7 at approximately 6.30pm on Wednesday, 17th August, 2022.
“A man in his 40s was pronounced dead at the scene. His body has been removed to Dublin City Mortuary where a post-mortem will be conducted at a later date.
“A woman in her 70s sustained non-life threatening injuries and was taken to the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital.
“Garda enquiries are ongoing.”
Tributes have poured for ‘Mono’ who had worked for the League of Ireland club as a volunteer, as bar manager, PA announcer and match steward.
As the death of the lifelong fan left the local game reeling, shocked staff at Bohs appealed for funds to help Mono’s loved ones.
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More than €30,000 had been raised by last night following the .
Daniel Lambert, the club’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “A Bohemian FC legend passed away tragically on Wednesday August 17, known to us all as ‘Mono’ he was one of the nicest most genuine people you could ever meet.
“He spent his life helping others and this fundraiser is to assist his wife and family in the challenging months ahead.
“This is organised by his loving colleagues at Bohemian Football Club.”
'AN ABSOLUTE GENTLEMAN'
Bohemians players and staff past and present led the tributes to Dalymount Park stalwart Monaghan.
Former captain Derek Pender declared: “Sickening news, a lovely, lovely man. Dalymount won’t feel the same. God bless you Mono.”
Ex Bohs star Keith Ward added: “Rip Mono. An absolute gentleman behind the scenes at Bohs who will be missed by everyone connected to the club.
“Couldn’t meet a nicer bloke who was always a helping hand to anyone.”
'SORELY MISSED'
Former Bohs star and current Huddersfield player Danny Grant commented: “Devastating news, rest in peace Mono.
“A true Bohs legend who always had time for everybody that walked into Dalymount, he will be sorely missed by absolutely everyone involved with the club.”
While Bohs legend Dinny Corcoran said: “Absolutely shocked at the news.. RIP Mono.. A true Bohs legend and a gentleman! Will be missed sorely.”
Fans took to social media to highlight Mono’s dedication and commitment to the club.
'BEAMING SMILE'
A statement from Bohemians told how players, staff and supporters would miss Monaghan’s “beaming smile” on matchdays.
The club said: “It was with absolute devastation that we last night learned of the tragic passing of our dear friend Derek Monaghan, known to all simply as Mono.
“From DJ to bar manager, to pitchside announcer, to steward, to you-name-it, Mono did everything - for everyone - in a variety of roles at the club for so many years.
“On matchdays, Mono’s beaming smile was often the first thing to greet players and staff on arrival, and that same beaming smile would be the last thing so many supporters saw at the end of the night as he pulled the shutters down in the Members’ Bar after last orders.
'POSITIVE PRESENCE'
“From the children he laid on Christmas parties for every year to the old folks’ dance in the Members’ Bar every Sunday, Mono uplifted generations of Bohs fans.
“Mono’s good form was infectious. He always had a kind word for everyone and everyone always had a kind word for Mono.
“He was a constant positive presence in the lives of so many at the club and we are all struggling to comprehend life at Dalymount without him.
“Football clubs really are all about people and Mono was one that made ours so special.
“In the short few hours since news of his passing, we have laughed and cried at the many heartfelt tributes paid to our dearest of friends.
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“Predeceased by his father Patrick, we hope that those kind tributes are of some comfort to Mono’s mam Noeleen, beloved wife Elayne, children Adam, Sienna, Zara, and siblings Michelle, Robbie, Graham and Leanne.
“To all of them, his extended family and friends, and to all who had the pleasure of knowing him, we extended our deepest condolences. Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís.”
