Patrick Donoghue, the father of Irish Studies Program director Mary McCain, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025, at the age of 80. An attorney and 78-year resident of Michigan City, Indiana, Pat practiced municipal and corporate law and was a member of the Indiana Bar for 56 years.
Pat graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1966, and received a Juris Doctor in 1969 from Indiana University in Bloomington. He served as a law clerk for the Hon. James E. Noland of the United States District Court, Southern District of Indiana, from 1969 to 1971. He spoke often over the years of this clerkship not only as the honor that it was, but also as a formative experience that would influence his work throughout his career.
In Michigan City, he joined the firm Sweeney, Fox, Sweeney, Winski, and Dabagia, later becoming a partner. Pat was the Michigan City Parks and Recreation Board’s attorney for many years and served in similar roles for the Redevelopment Commission and other boards and councils. He recently received a Distinguished: Very High Rating in Both Legal Ability and Ethical Standards from Martindale-Hubbell.
An avid sailor, Pat participated in many races and served as the Judge Advocate for the Michigan City Yacht Club. He helped found the South Shore Sailing School and did volunteer legal work and was a longtime board member at the LaPorte County Historical Steam Society.
Pat maintained a lifelong connection to Ireland and Irish culture. He spent much of his time in retirement reading, particularly about American, Irish, and British history, rewatching classic Western movies, traveling, and supporting and taking pride in his children and grandchildren, who loved him deeply and will miss him terribly.
Pat is survived by his wife, Nancy, four children, nine grandchildren, and many extended family and friends.