The Gavigan family from Rathconrath, Mullingar have greatly contributed to the rich and long-standing Irish music tradition in the Milltown-Rathconrath area, and on Sunday evening last, 2 September, the local Comhaltas branch honoured a second musical member of the Gavigan family, unveiling a new memorial in memory of the late Brendan Gavigan.
The new memorial, at the junction of the Rathconrath road, just east of the village, is the second ‘Gavigan’ memorial in Rathconrath, with the former All- Ireland accordion champion, the late Frank Gavigan – who gives his name to the local Comhaltas branch – already fully recognised by the memorial which was put in place in 2009, and is located in the roadside village itself.
The late Brendan and Frank Gavigan were brothers and both were noted for their accordion playing. Sadly, Brendan lost his life in a road accident seventeen years ago, close to the spot where the new memorial has been erected.
Mrs. Yvonne Geraghty, on behalf of the Frank Gavigan (Milltown-Rathconrath) branch of Comhaltas welcomed the large attendance to the unveiling of the new memorial in remembrance of Brendan Gavigan, and said their branch had decided about a year ago, that they should put in place a plaque to remember the late Brendan Gavigan, Rathconrath. He was a great musician and a very popular local man, she said, and she then called on well-known traditional musician and entertainer, Mick Foster to officially unveil the new monument.
Mick Foster remarked that he was still attending the National School in Milltown when Brendan Gavigan emigrated to England, so it was only afterwards when Brendan came back again to Rathconrath, that he got to know him well. He then unveiled the new memorial, to loud applause from all present. The attendance included relatives of the late Brendan Gavigan as well as many of his friends.
The third speaker at the unveiling on Sunday evening was the well- known Bertie McMahon from Clara, Co. Offaly, who was a friend of the late Brendan Gavigan. He described coming to Rathconrath in 1991 and Brendan welcomed me, and we became great friends and we worked together on different occasions.
“He was true friend and a gentlemen,” Mr. McMahon said, congratulating the people of Milltown -Rathconrath and the local Comhaltas branch for putting the memorial in place.
A musical get-together took place afterwards in Gunnings of Rathconrath.
