The House of the Dragon season three finale ends on an emotional note, and not just for the characters. Right at the end, there’s a dedication to Don “Bop” Monahan. HBO’s Game of Thrones prequel series wrapped up the third season on Sunday evening, setting the stage for a bloody, vengeful fourth and final chapter. If you watched all the way to the end of the credits, you will have seen the following message: “In loving memory, Don ‘Bop’ Monahan. 1951-2026.” Don isn’t a member of the House of the Dragon cast, nor is he involved in the production. But his connection to the show isn’t any less meaningful. Who is Don ‘Bop’ Monahan? Credit: HBO According to Sweeney Funeral Home’s obituary, he is the father-in-law of House of the Dragon showrunner Ryan Condal. Ryan and Don’s daughter, Caitlin Hennessey Monahan, got married in 2012. Don – full name Donald “Don” Joseph Monahan, Jr. – died peacefully on July 1, 2026 at his home in New Jersey with his family by his side at age 74, having fought with pancreatic cancer. The obituary reads, “Born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey, Don was the son of Joan (nee Bower) and Donald Joseph Monahan Sr. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Suzanne Hennessey, who was his devoted caregiver in his fight with pancreatic cancer.” He had two daughters – Ryan’s wife Caitlin and Ceire Hennessey Monahan – and four grandchildren, which is where the nickname “Bop” came from. They called him “Grandfather ‘Bop’”, said to be his favourite title of all time. Credit: Sweeney Funeral Home “His love of all things Irish brought our family on a memorable trip to Dublin before his passing. Time with his family and friends is what fulfilled him most,” the obituary adds. Caitlin got married to Ryan back in 2012, and while the pair keep their private life private, they’re often by each other’s sides at premieres. They tied the knot at the same church where Don served: St. Vincent de Paul Church in Bayonne. At the time of their marriage, Caitlin, who kept her name, was serving as the vice president and copy supervisor at the LA office of healthcare advertising agency CDM Group. It’s clear the family were close, as evidenced by Ryan including the heartfelt tribute to Don in the House of the Dragon season three finale. For all the latest film and TV updates and hot takes, like our Facebook page. Featured image credit: HBO/Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock Post navigation Next storyPrevious story
