Evening star., 1939-09-04
Father McDonouqh,
Veteran 6. u. Sports
Mentor, Dies at 50
WeII-Loved Hilltop
Figure Expires at Rodio;
Funeral to Be Wednesday


Death came suddenly yesterday
to the Rev. Vincent S. McDonough,
s. j., SO, former faculty moderator
of athletics at Georgetown Univer-
eity and widely known figure in the
world of collegiate sports, as he sat
in a chair in the college infirmary
listening to radio news flashes from
war-torn Europe. He died of a
heart attack.
Father Mac" as he was known
to thousands in and out of George
town circles, had said mass at $50
am. and then had gone to the in
firmary, where there is radio, to
listen to the war news. He was found
dead about $40 am. by Joseph
Padden, night man on duty, with
the radio going full blast.
A year ago Father McDonough
had recovered from severe illness
and had appeared recently in good
health. He was planning to 60 to
New York with alumni on Septem-
ber II for Georgetown University
day at the Worlds Fair. 1t was
believed he had suffered a Slight
heart attack earlier in the morning.
His VOW cruclflx attached to the wall
of his bedroom had been pulled out
with the nail still in it and placed
beside his prayer book and beads on
the table. He had not complained,
however, of illness.
% Years at Georgetown.
Coming to Georgetown in 1916,
Father McDonough had devoted %
years to the physical and spir-
itual guidance of Georgetown boys.
News of his death was shock to
members of the faculty in WASH
ington and to the football squad,
which has just begun fall practice.
H. Gabriel Murphy, graduate
manager of athletics said that
Georgetown has lost a wonderful
leader of men and boys, one whose
name always will be associated with
the best in college sports. He was
friend and counselor to the student
body, loved by all who knew him.
The Rev. John J. Kehoe, S. j.,
moderator of athletics was one of
the first notified of his death
Only Saturday night Mr. Murphy
had arranged with Father Nc
Donough to go out to the field to
watch the football practice. Father
MACS" tall, cloaked figure was con-
spicuous at Georgetown games and
at the baseball park. He was an old
friend of Clark Griffith, president
of the Nationals as we'll as of Coach
Lou Little of Columbia University,
who coached GeorgetoWn's teams
when he was moderator of athletics.
Great Hope Realized.
He directed athletics at the Hill
top from 1916 to 1928 during which
time he was also prefect of discip-
line, secretary of the board of direc-
tors Of the university, member of
its board of regents and chairman
of extra curriculum activities. The
burdens were too much for him and
he retired from athletics, but never
lost his personal touch and interest.
He continued as prefect of discipline
until 1882, when Father Kehoe came
to Georgetown.
Since then he has devoted his
time to the duties of student coun-
sellor and prefect of spiritual activi-
ties such as the Sodality and the
St. Vincent de Paul Society among
the students.
Established &C" Dinners.
1t was during Lou Little's days at
Georgetown that Father McDon-
ough in 1924 helped establish the
long line of &c" dinners which have
attracted the outstanding figures in
the athletic world to its annual af-
fairs. Father McDonough. perhaps.
was the best-known man in George
town alumni circles. During August
he had been appointed faculty ad-
wiser to the National Alumni Asso-
citation, which is being built up.
Born in Boston on April 13, 1870,
of native Irish parents, Father Nc
Donough was graduated from the
Boston Latin High School, from Bos-
ton College and later from Wood
stock College in Maryland. He at
tended the latter after his admis-
sion to the Society of Jesus in 1901.
He was ordained to the priesthood
In 1914.
Once Newspaperman.
Before coming to Georgetown just
before the United States entered the
World War he studied at st. An
drews-on-the Hudson at Pough-
keepsie, N. Y, and at the Jesuit
novitiate at Frederick, Md In his
early years in the order he had
taught. but since joining the George
town faculty his duties involved
leadership in student affairs.
During his early years he served
> as a correspondent for the Boston
Republic, the old New York Sun and
the New York Herald. It was this
early experience in newspaper work
that made him such a valued and
always available contact man with
local sports writer's.
He was active for MANY years in
the Knights of Columbus, having
held office in the order. and was a
daily visitor at Georgetown Hospital
taking great interest in the chari-
table work done by the university.
Father McDonough is survived by
a brother, Joseph b. and a sister
Miss Louise McDonough, both of
New York City.
Funeral services have been ar
ranged for Wednesday morning. The
offlce OF the dead will be recited at
$50 o'clock, followed immediately
with requiem mass. Burial will