Food is an integral part of Irish culture and in honour of St. Patrick’s Day, this month’s Cooking with the Q features a hearty stew recipe, handed down for generations through the Monaghan family. Enjoy!
March Celebrity Chefs: John and Eileen Monaghan, QCH Foundation Donors and Volunteers
When John and Eileen Monaghan celebrate St. Patrick’s Day it’s usually done in true celtic fashion, raising a glass of Guinness in honour of their Irish heritage.
John’s great grandparents immigrated from Ireland in 1824 and the family settled in the Fallowfield area. John and Eileen Monaghan, both generous supporters of Queensway Carleton Hospital (QCH) Foundation, have a deep connection to QCH which dates back almost 50 years ago.
“When construction was near completion in 1976 and QCH was ready to open to the public, John’s mom Stella was the first patient through the doors,” explains Eileen. “She was 86-years-old at the time and was one of 12 geriatric patients admitted to the hospital’s fourth floor.”
Knowing the tremendous impact the hospital would have on our community, Eileen became a dedicated volunteer in the geriatric unit.
She spent more than 23 years providing hair and makeup services to admitted patients and another 15 years volunteering at the information desk. After close to 40 years of service, Eileen hung up her iconic blue QCH volunteer vest in 2014.
Giving back to QCH is part of the Monaghan family DNA. John served on the Board of Directors between 1976 and 1980. Their outstanding volunteerism inspired their three children to support QCH as well. Their son Larry previously worked in Information Services before his retirement, Ron is a General Surgeon at the hospital, and daughter Cathy volunteered as a teenager at QCH.
“Our whole family has a proud history of service and support to what we consider our community hospital. This St. Patrick’s Day let’s all raise a glass in honour of those who have dedicated their lives to helping others.”
Sláinte!