Patrick (Pat) McGuigan (1935–1987) was a famous Irish singer born in Clones. His son, Barry McGuigan, is a former world featherweight champion boxer, who is considered by many to be the greatest Irish boxer in history.
Pat McGuigan came into the national spotlight in 1968, when he competed for Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest (as Pat McGeegan) with the song Chance of a Lifetime, arriving in fourth place. Subsequently, he made some albums and scored a few hits, and his rendition of Danny Boy became well known. McGuigan was also a respected songwriter.
McGuigan became known in the United States after his son's world title winning victory over Eusebio Pedroza. On June 13, 1986, he sang the American national anthem before the world championship bout between Carlos Santos and Buster Drayton in New Jersey.
Pat McGuigan died after a period of illness in 1987. He was 52 years old.
| Preceded by Sean Dunphy with "If I Could Choose" |
Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 1968 |
Succeeded by Muriel Day with "The Wages of Love" |