IRELAND’S last monarch , King of Toraigh Patsy Dan Rodgers, has passed away at the age of 74.
Mr Rodgers died last night in the Mater Hospital in Dublin surrounded by his family.
He became King of Toraigh in the 1990s when the children of the last King, Padraig Óg Rodgers, asked him to accept the honour of their father and become King.
In his role as king, Mr Rodgers welcomed visitors to the island, entertained them in the evenings by playing accordion and telling stories about his homeland and said a farewell at the harbour.
He also fulfilled various ambassadorial obligations on the mainland and abroad.
Earlier this year Mr Rodgers’ tireless campaigning for the rights of islanders and his fight for better transport links and further development on the island was recognised by Donegal County Council.
Speaking after being presented with a special award he said, “I’m completely overwhelmed. It’s an honour to be the King of Tory Island. I love the place so much.
“I pray the culture and this island lives on because it’s my passion,” he added.
Patsy Dan Rodgers is survived by his wife Caitlin and their four children.
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