Pat McGuigan came into the national spotlight in 1968, when he competed for Ireland at the Eurovision music contest, arriving in third place. Subsequently, he made some albums and scored a few hits, and his rendition of Danny Boy became well known. McGuigan was also a respected songwriter.
McGuigan became known in the United States after his son's world title winning victory over Eusebio Pedroza. On June 13, 1986, he sang the American national anthem before the world championship bout between Carlos Santos and Buster Drayton in New Jersey.
Pat McGuigan passed away after a period of illness in 1987.