Geoghegan Hall of Fame
Modern-day Geoghegans of note (for Geoghegans of Historical interest see Historic Geoghegans)
Note, I have placed our modern Clan Chieftains at the head of the list in their order of attaining office. Apart from that, there is no significance to the order in which people appear.

Jack Gargan first modern day Chief of the Clan

1992 - 2000 (non hereditory) Chieftain of the Clan.and founder of the (Mac)Geoghegan Family Society. Jack's grandfather was born a Geoghegan but changed the spelling to Gargan.
Jack , born: October 20, 1930  a father and grandfather, orphaned at age 2, has been self-supporting since age 14 in a variety of jobs, he grew up in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He worked nights while attending college. He is a graduate of Birmingham-Southern College with a degree in business administration. After moving to Florida, he attended Stetson University College of Law (1970-71). Jack is author of 5 books on money management, including a Book Of The Month selection.
He served his country and and received Honorable Discharge from both the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy. He is a Korean War Veteran. Founder of T.H.R.O. (Throw The Hypocritical Rascals Out!) Time Magazine "Hero of the Week" September 1990. Honored in 1992 as the first Irish Chieftain Inaugurated since 1648. Five gallon, plus, blood donor. Candidate for Governor of Florida in 1994, he received the 3rd highest number of votes in a nine-candidate field and ran for Congress in 1998. Listed in "Who's Who in The World" and "International Men of Achievement".
Jack is the founder of the MacGeoghegan Family Society and one of the nicest men you will ever meet (Eddie)

James C. Geoghegan second modern day Chief of the Clan

Jim was educated at St. Benedict's Prep in Newark 1956, received his Bachelors Degree from Seton Hall University in 1965, a Masters Degree from Kean College in 1971 and 30 additional graduate credits from various colleges. He is State Licensed in Social Studies, Personnel Services, Psychology and English. Currently happily retired sharing time between Florida and New Jersey and working as your Clan Chieftain.

Jim taught for 32 years in both Junior High School and High School in Westfield New Jersey and St. Joseph's High School in Metuchen. Subjects taught included Computer Literacy, Social Studies, Constitution Law, Psychology. World History, and English. Received Phi Delta Kappa award for outstanding teacher of the year.

He enlisted in the Navy for four years active duty 1960-64, spent 28 years in the Reserves and was selected for Direct Commision in 1971. Selected as commanding officer five times, and retired as a Commander.

Licensed USSF Referee and Coach. Founder of Mid New Jersey Soccer League.- Chief Referee and Assignor. Coached for 30 years as Boys Varsity, Girls JV - team won 10 consecutive county titles. While at Seton Hall, Varsity Letter in Golf and Soccer. Raised two children, John J. Geoghegan, a computer graphic artist and Susanne G. Bonhote, a second grade teacher (following in dad's footsteps). Married to Bett Willett Geoghegan. Hobbies include Bett, boating, golf, computers, gardening and reading.

Maire Geoghegan-Quinn

Member of the European Court of Auditors
Former journalist and Irish Government Minister and, I believe, a member of the Bunowen (Galway) branch of the Geoghegans.
Born in Carna, Co. Galway, Ireland in 1950. Married with two children. Graduate of Carysfort Teacher Training College, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Member of the Irish Parliament (Dáil Éireann) from 1975 until 1997.
Appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy in 1977. Minister of State at the Department of Industry, Commerce and Energy from 1978 until 1979. Minister for the development of Irish speaking regions (Gaeltacht) from 1979 until 1981 and Minister of State for Education in 1982. Chairwoman of the First Parliamentary all-Party Committee on Women's Rights from 1982 until 1987.
Minister of State for European Affairs from 1987 until 1991. Chaired the interdepartmental Committee on EU policy with the responsibility of coordinating the Irish EU Presidency in 1990 and also chaired the Budget, Culture, Development and Telecommunications Councils during the Irish Presidency.
Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications from 1992 until 1993 during which period she was responsible for eleven of the principal State owned companies in Ireland. Minister for Justice from 1993 until 1994 and a member of the Irish Government team which negotiated the Joint Declaration of December 1993, by the British and Irish governments, on Peace And Reconciliation in Ireland.
From 1997 until February 2000, career in the private sector as business consultant and non-executive director of two major Irish companies. Columnist at the Irish Times and broadcaster with Teilifís na Gaeilge (Irish language television station).

The Hon. Mr. Justice Hugh Geoghegan
Irish Supreme Court Judge. Appointed a judge 1992 by the Fianna Fail/Labour coalition and has become one of the top performers in the High Court. He has the unique distinction of being the first son of a Supreme Court judge to follow in his father's footsteps. His late father James Geoghegan served as a Minister for Justice and Attorney General as well as Supreme Court judge. Mr Justice Geoghegan is a sharp and incisive judge regularly challenging lawyers appearing before him. He has given judgements in the challenge by Charles Haughey and members of his family to the Moriarty Tribunal and most recently found part of the Aliens Act unconstitutional. He is married to senior counsel Mary Finlay and they have three children.

Trevor Geoghegan Artist
Born in London in 1946, Trevor Geoghegan decided to settle in Ireland in 1971 and moved to Blessington, Co. Wicklow, the village his father had originally emigrated from. His Realist style and his eye for detail lends an air of mystery and imbues his paintings with a unique atmosphere. His preferred subject matter includes his signature Irish landscapes, such as the Burren and Wicklow, and over the past few years his style and brushwork have become looser and freer than before. Trained at the Chelsea and Worthing Art Schools. He works from his Wicklow studio and is a successful exhibitor, in many prestigious collections. He has represented Ireland at European level. Trevor concentrates on landscape painting, especially in acrylic and teaches at the National College of Art.


'Silhouettes'
Acrylic on Wood, 12"x17"

Simon Geoghegan
International rugby player for Ireland and probably the fastest Geoghegan on two legs. Sadly, he was forced to retire while still at his peak due to injury.

Sally Geoghegan
Actress. Miss Carver in Grange Hill - BBC and star of Bernard and the Genie (1992) and Howard's End (1992).

Ben Geoghegan
BBC News Reporter.

Jack Geoghegan - Swimmer
It's hard to count the many facets of Jack's service to USMS. As Legal Counsel for 14 years, he has kept us on the straight and true path. He is always ready to soothe any troubled waters, yet still finds time to be a perennial All American. In fact, Jack was the first USMS swimmer over age 40 to break 50 seconds for the 100 yard freestyle. His Irish wit, unparalleled eloquence, and debonair manner have entertained us at many an awards ceremony. He has served as advisor to the Legislation, Rules, International, Insurance, and Rule Book Committees. And as a member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame Committee, Jack was responsible for at long last bringing Masters into the Hall of Fame as full fledged honorees.
We owe you, Jack!
(The 1997 USMS Swimming Code of Regulations and Rules of Competition was dedicated to Jack Geoghegan with these words.)
To some, the word "Athlete" means simply a human being who has trained assiduously and performs well above the normal level. A true "Champion" embodies these attributes, plus many more. A true champion is a graceful winner who also applauds the victories of others: one whose conduct is an inpiration to others - who gives freely of both time and talent to give back to the sport the many benefits received.
Jack Geoghegan is a true "Champion Athlete". As a Masters Swimmer, Jack has held a dozen world records over the years and national records too numerous to count. He has qualified as an All American for 18 of the 19 years he has been competing.
In the National Top Tens compiled by USMS, Jack will frequently qualify in 16 of the 18 available events in each course, a tribute to his versatility as well as his speed. He has been honored four times as one of the USMS All Stars -- the person in his age group who has achieved the highest total of first place finishes in a given year.
Jack serves as a volunteer on the local and national levels. In 1990, Jack was chosen as recipient of the highest USMS honor, The Ransom Arthur - Award, given to the person who has made the most significant contribution to the promotion of the ideals and goals of Masters Swimming.
In addition to his volunteer work with USMS, Jack also serves on the National Executive Committee for the Leukemia Foundation. He has conducted competitions and clinics, and has spoken at national conventions as well as local groups.
(additional comments by Dorothy Donnelly)
Jack lives in Rye, New York and swims for the Connecticut Masters Swim Team
Information from www.swimgold.org

Stephen Geoghegan
Professional Soccer Player in Ireland. Born in Dublin, 3 June 1970. Stephen topped the National League's goal charts for the seasons 1998/1999 and 1997/1998. He was called into the Republic of Ireland squad in 1999 season for the World Cup game versus Macedonia.

Declan Geoghegan
Professional Soccer Player in Ireland. Born in Dublin, 20 August 1964. Declan has two FAI Cup medals, both won with Shelbourne FC.

William Geoghegan
Cyclist
In his own words ...
I have been a Professional cyclist since 1993 and have been racing bikes since 1989. I competed in nearly 500 races winning over 65 Pro races. During this span I have competed in 9 National Championships placing as high as 13th in 1998. I have raced primarily in the US and Canada with several trips to the Hawaiian Mountain Tour, where in 1997 I had a career best 5th place against International competition. Although the Olympics have always been a dream, I have decided to only ride and race recreationally in 2000 as I pursue other business opportunities in the cycling world.
I would be more than delighted to be placed in the Geoghegan Hall of Fame. It would really be the icing on my cake as a professional cyclist and athlete.

Joseph R. Gahagan (Dr. Joe)
Joseph Raymond Gahagan, 49, of Milwaukee, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2001, at his home.
He was born on Feb. 5, 1952 in Fond du Lac, a son of Kenneth and Marcella Shea Gahagan.
Joe was a graduate of Green Bay Premontre High School, received his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his doctorate in creative writing and Irish literature from the UW-Milwaukee, where he was a professor for several years.
Joe's stories and poems won numerous awards and appeared in such publications as Island Magazine, Riverrun, The Irish American Post and the anthology, The Next Parish Over. His work has been adapted for the stage in Milwaukee and Chicago, and his story, "Landing on the Moon," has enjoyed critical acclaim in its extended run at Cecilia's Pub Theatre. He is a former fiction editor of The Crime City Review and directed poetry at Milwaukeeís Irish Fest. His collection of poems is titled, "Cyclopean Logicî".
Joe enjoyed his many travels to Ireland and was very involved in Milwaukee's Irish Fest. He was also Clan Bard to the (Mac)Geoghegan Society.
Survivors include his mother, Marcella (Leonard) Logan of Waupun; one sister, Mary Ann (David) Zuelke of Waupun; two brothers, James Gahagan of Fond du Lac and David Gahagan of Appleton; three nephews, Joseph, Cody and Matthew Zuelke, all of Waupun; a great-niece and great--nephew, Hannah and David Zuelke and a special cousin, Donald Fox of Milwaukee. His father preceded him in death.
Private funeral services were held on Monday, Oct. 29 at the Werner-Harmsen Funeral Home in Waupun with Father Mike Moran officiating. Burial followed at St. Charles Cemetery in the town of Taycheedah.

Ian Geoghegan
Australian Touring Car Championship
1964 (Ford Cortina GT )
1966 - 1969 (Ford Mustang )

Adrienne Geoghegan
Children's Author. Her books include ...
"All your own teeth", "Dogs don't wear glasses", "There's a wardrobe in my monster" and "Six perfectly different pigs".

Vincent Geoghegan
Professor of Political Theory at Queen's University Belfast and author of "A Jacobite History: The Abbe MacGeoghegan's History of Ireland" published in the journal "Eighteenth-Century Ireland" Vol. 6, 1991.
Vincent tells me "Family history has it that we are descended from the youngest son of Samuel Geoghegan, the Guinness engineer. This young man ran off with the maid to Bristol! Eventually we ended up in Manchester, where I was born".
<<--- Click image for a larger view

Tony Geoghegan
Director of Dublin's Merchant Quay Project.

Brian Geoghegan
Chairman of FÁS and IBEC's director of economic policy. Married to Mary Harney, politician.

James Cyril 'Go' Geoghegan.
Champion cyclist, dedicated cycling official and administrator. President of S.A.Cycling federation for 12 years , as well as terms in office for Natal Cycling Union and various clubs and associations over a period of 54 years. Also was involved in athletics and trained two Comrades Marathon winners, Hardy Ballington and Johnny Coleman. Has a place in the Sports Hall of Fame in Pretoria. The cycling stadium in Durban bears his name in honour of his huge contribution to sport. Website feature (offsite - webmaster Dave Geoghegan, his son).

Nicholas McGegan
(Conductor, harpsichord, flute)
Born January 14, 1950 Seabridgeworth, Hertfordshire, England
Appointed musical director of the Irish Chamber Orchestra June 2001

Feature Article

Lexi Gahagan
Navigator - Electronics and Computers
Alexis "Lexi" Gahagan, 43, started his America's Cup career in the 1980 Enterprise-Freedom campaign in Newport, RI, when in addition to his responsibility for computers and electronics he also raced and successfully defended the America's Cup as a bowman for Dennis Conner. Since then, Gahagan has sailed in two other America's Cup campaigns. In the 1997-97 series in Fremantle, Western Australia, Gahagan was navigator for John Kolius in the America II syndicate and was responsible for computers, electronics and boat testing software. He had a similar role with Dennis Conners' Stars and Stripes campaign in San Diego, CA, in 1992.
Today as the navigator for AmericaOne, Gahagan is a key part of the afterguard and heads up the electronics program, with responsibility for all the race performance analysis software. Gahagan works with Preston Kelly and Chris Todter as they utilize the Ford Visteon performance tracking telemetry that takes performance data from the boat and stores it on the tender.
A 1998 graduate of Middlebury College, in Middlebury, VT, Gahagan has for the last two years been a partner in Gahagan and Bryant Associates, a hydrographic surveying and computer consultancy in Wilmington, DE.
For five years in the '80s, Gahagan was a part-owner of Doyle Sailmakers in Marblehead, MA, after he founded the company with Robbie Doyle and Jack Kleene. Prior to that he was the project manager and captain for Parker Heineman's yacht Retaliation. After overseeing construction of the yacht, he sailed aboard on a winning two-year campaign that included victories in the SORC, Bermuda Race and Onion Patch series.
Computers have always been part of Gahagan's life and today he lists his interests as computers, hockey, and coaching kids in lacrosse and hockey. Gahagan is married to Elise. They live in Wilmington and have three children, Will, Ashley, and Elle.
agahagan@americaone.org

Jim Gaffigan
Actor, comedian and ballerina. (When I was five years old, my Mom asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I said, "I want to be an actress".)
Well, as you can tell by my picture I'm Korean. Some people think I'm from Indiana and that I'm the youngest of six kids, but I'm really Korean. And damn proud of it buddy! (My apologies if your name actually is Buddy, buddy.)
You probably know me as either an actor or a stand-up comedian. Sure I'm an actor. Sure I'm a stand-up. But there is more to me. I'm an actor, a comedian and a ballerina. You don't know me as a ballerina cause frankly there aren't many opportunities to ballet on television. (That's how we describe what we do in the ballet biz.) Don't get me started on the absence of ballerinas in films.
I'm a damn good ballerina, too, buddy. Let me tell you, it ain't easy to make a living doing ballet, particularly if you've never been paid to do it. But soon, someday soon, people will say "That Gaffigan is so great at ballet, did you know he does stand-up and acts? Wow, I'd really like to be his friend." It'll happen, buddy.
For all the latest info on Jim, see his own website at http://www.jimgaffigan.com
Ted Geoghegan was born in Beaverton, Oregon on August 10, 1979. He grew up in Great Falls, Montana, attending private and public schools, studying film extensively. In the mid-90s, he attended The University of Montana in Missoula, Montana and attained a degree in English Education.
In 1996, Ted was approached to star in a short film, entitled Latter-Day Saints. In the picture, he portrayed a deranged high school student who had been banished from society and tried to form his own religious cult. The feature was a modest success for filmmaker Jeff Goad and left Geoghegan with the desire to continue working in the arts.
In 1997, artist Richard Anderson contacted Ted and persuaded him to assist in the writing of a new fantasy-themed graphic novel, entitled The Isle of Insaw. It debuted at the prestigious San Diego Comic-Con that same year. While attending the event, Ted had the opportunity to meet filmmaker Kevin Smith. Their conversations inspired him to pursue screenwriting, which would combine his two passions - writing and film.
Ted authored Demonium, his first major motion picture, in the year 2000. Directed by German horror master Andreas Schnaas and co-authored by his wife, the film was shot in Rome, Italy on a substantial budget. Geoghegan worked on the set of the film as a dialogue coach, primarily focusing on the cast, who spoke English as a second language.
While in Europe for the filming of Demonium, Ted was asked to appear in a German science fiction film. Spending three days on-set, Geoghegan portrayed an obnoxious American actor who meets a grisly end in Timo Rose’s Mutation II: Generation Dead.
Following that, he was approached by filmmaker Kevin Lindenmuth to write a short werewolf-themed picture, which became part of the anthology film, Bites: The Werewolf Chronicles. In 2003, he teamed up with Schnaas once more for the New York-set slasher film, Nikos.
Geoghegan wrote and directed the short film Ghouls Gone Wild! in 2004, which received a successful DVD release. The musical/comedy/horror marked his directorial debut.

New nominations for the Hall of Fame are always welcome. If possible include a short bioraphy and preferably a picture. Send your nominations here
I have met or corresponded with a only some of the people included in the great hall of fame. I hope that none of you object to being included and if so please accept my apologies. I will happily remove any entry if the subject wishes. Just drop me a line. If any of you happen by here and want to add to any of the information (or supply a different picture) just let me know.

 
If you cannot see the side menu click here