Flotilla Tribute Planned for Carlingford Marina Founder Padhraic Moneley

A flotilla of boats will sail by Carlingford Marina next Sunday 15 June to mark one year since the passing of the facility’s designer, founder and engineer, Padhraic Moneley. A memorial will also be unveiled at the marina.

Born in 1946, Padhraic was the fourth child of Patrick (Paddy) Moneley and Anna Moneley (née McCloskey) of Sandymount, Blackrock. His early life was shaped by his close-knit family and the solid foundations of faith, education, and hard work. He attended the Christian Brothers School in Dundalk, where he graduated with honours in 1963, demonstrating early on the discipline and intelligence that would come to define his professional life.

He went on to study Civil Engineering at University College Dublin, graduating in 1967. After honing his skills at McKeowns quarry Kilsaran, ESB, and SIAC, among Ireland’s most respected employers, Padhraic took a courageous step: founding his own firm, Padhraic Moneley Ltd. (PML), in 1979.

From its humble beginnings, PML quickly rose to prominence as a trusted name in civil engineering and construction, delivering the highest standards of craftsmanship to both public and private sector clients. With over 35 years of experience, the company built an impressive portfolio, including projects as significant as a €30 million road construction contract and numerous works for the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA). PML became synonymous with expertise in road construction, wastewater treatment development, marine works and sea defences, and the delivery of vital water distribution projects.

But Padhraic’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop at engineering. In 1981, he expanded his ambitions from land to sea founding Carlingford Marine Enterprises Limited. Starting from the ground up, he transformed a local waterfront site into what is today the thriving Carlingford Marina complex. Under his leadership, the marina now boasts 200 berths, a fully equipped boatyard, a welcoming bar and restaurant, eight self-catering apartments, and has developed as a standalone community hub facilitating ancillary business, a motorhome destination, and the very popular Hot Box Sauna.

Today, Carlingford Marina is managed by his son Jonathan, who proudly carries forward his father’s legacy, ensuring the business continues to grow and thrive, just as Padhraic envisioned.

Padhraic was more than just a businessman — he was a man of the community. Known for his fearless pursuit of opportunity, he saw potential where others saw barriers. His determination not only created jobs; but shaped the local landscape, both literally and figuratively. His businesses offered employment and opportunities for growth, mentorship, and shared success.

Above all, he was a devoted family man. He was a loving husband to his wife Pamela, and is deeply missed by his children: Orla, Padhraic, Siobhán, Jessica, Jonathan, James, Joseph, and Judah. His grandchildren - Sofia, Sebastian, Kathryn, Joshua, Heather, Edan and Ellen, and Phoenix - remember him fondly, as does his younger brother, Gearóid (Gary), sister-in-law Marianne, brother-in-law Kevin, and all of his nephews and nieces.

On this one-year anniversary, the Moneley family extends their heartfelt thanks to all who have supported them over the past year — friends, neighbours, colleagues, and community members who have shared their stories, memories, and condolences. They would also like to warmly invite all who knew and loved Padhraic to his anniversary mass on Sunday the 15th June in St. Oliver Plunket’s Church, Blackrock at 12 noon to celebrate his remarkable life.

Following the mass, a memorial will be unveiled at Carlingford Marina at 3pm, by his wife Pamela. The site of the memorial will be the on the bow of “The Cretegaf” – the concrete boat that Padhraic sailed from The Banks of The Boyne to Carlingford Lough back in 1991, to form the southern breakwater of Carlingford Marina. There will be a flotilla of boats sailing by the Marina Entrance to mark the occasion – and the Moneley Family invites all who attend to join them for finger food and refreshments in Rabelo directly afterwards. 

All are welcome to attend – but the Moneley Family has reminded people that this event takes place on Father’s Day, so they do not want people to be under any pressure to attend on the day of the unveiling if they have plans with their own family. Instead, they suggest, people can visit the memorial at a later date, in a time that suits them. 

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis