Some life-defining moments unfold in the most unexpected places. For one Marquette community member, it happened in a Dublin headmaster’s office when a priest brushed past formalities and went straight to one simple question: would you be playing rugby?
Patrick Monahan, director of innovation at the 707 Hub, found himself at a crossroads when he and his family moved to Dublin during his teenage years. A wrestler and football player in the United States, he quickly learned that neither sport was widely available in Ireland, prompting him to search for a new athletic outlet.
That search came to a close at St. Michael’s College, a Catholic secondary school, where an admissions interview would unexpectedly shape his future.
“When we moved to Dublin, I had to get into a school,” Monahan explains. “They’re all private, and my dad was more than concerned that I would not get in. We had an interview in the head’s office with an older priest named Father Aiden Lehane, a rugby legend in his own right.”
“I’ve always been, well, on the husky side,” Monahan continued. “And when my dad extended his hand to introduce himself to the priest, he brushed my dad aside, walked directly over to me and asked in his Dublin accent, ‘Now, would you be playing rugby for Michael’s?’”
Monahan said yes, and a lifelong passion was born. He suited up for St. Michael’s, later played for Marquette University’s club rugby team and now leads his alma mater’s squad as head coach of the Golden Eagles.
“I played my first match when I was 14, and after first contact, I played the entire match with a bloody nose,” Monahan says. “I was hooked.”
A fast-paced and physical sport, rugby is built on continuous play, strategy and collective effort. Players work to advance an oval ball by passing it backward and carrying it forward through contact. Unlike many stop-and-start sports, rugby flows almost constantly, demanding stamina, toughness and a deep bond with your teammates.
In short, it is not for the faint of heart, requiring not only physical grit but also deep respect and teamwork among players.
“Everyone gets to carry the ball, have a chance to score a try and gets to tackle,” Monahan says. “It’s the ultimate team sport. It doesn’t matter who scores, just as long as they’re wearing the same color as you.”
Monahan recently completed his second year coaching at Marquette, following stops at Marian High School in South Bend, Indiana, and down Wisconsin Avenue at Marquette University High School. He’s enjoyed great success, winning the Division I state title in back-to-back years at MUHS and leading the Golden Eagles to a pair of playoff appearances. Marquette has been ranked as high as No. 14 in the country during his tenure.
Coaching has given Monahan an opportunity to pass on his love of the sport to the next generation — including his three sons, all of whom have embraced rugby. His youngest, Conor, has taken a particular interest as of late.
“He really grew fond of watching one of our players specifically, a flanker named Joey Yurek,” Monahan shared. “He brought a rugby ball for him to sign after the playoff match against Loyola.”
Monahan encourages anyone interested in playing to reach out, noting that rugby’s no-cut structure welcomes newcomers at any stage.
“It’s hard to imagine my life without rugby being part of it,” Monahan says.
About After Hours
After Hours is a Marquette Today series that highlights the lives of Marquette faculty and staff beyond campus. From creative pursuits and lifelong hobbies to side hustles, the series celebrates the passions that inspire our colleagues outside the workday. Interested in being featured, or know someone who should be? Nominate yourself or a colleague here.
