Tributes paid to Tipperary butcher and 'total gentleman' on his sad passing

Matt sadly died peacefully at his home on August 28, 2024.

A native of Knockdrummagh, Myshall, county Carlow, Matt moved to Thurles as a young qualified butcher in the late 1960s and set up his own slaughterhouse on Cabra Road, and also made Thurles his beloved home.

Matt developed and ran a highly successful, thriving and very professional business on Cabra Road until his retirement as a butcher in 2000. 

During Matt’s time on Cabra Road, Matt was noted for the quality and skill and high standards with which he slaughtered, prepared and cut meat for his many loyal customers.

Matt wasn’t just known as a very skilled butcher but also a total gentleman.

Matt was much loved and highly respected by his many friends, neighbours and customers.

Matt was described as honest, trustworthy and highly talented and skilled at his trade which he loved. 

Matt had introduced and developed “farm to freezer and fork” long before it became a current catchphrase. Matt had a wide customer base extending counties, Tipperary, Limerick, Kilkenny and even the borders of Carlow and Wexford.

After his retirement from Cabra Road, Matt worked part-time on Thurles Racecourse for Matt’s dear late friend Pierce Moloney.

As Matt’s other great love was racing.

Here he could also his engineering brain and many DIY skills to good use.

Of course, there he also endeared himself to all those he met and worked with and Matt, like his customers on Cabra Road, the remained his lifelong friends. 

Matt married his wife Maureen in August 1998 and moved to live in Toorerbrien, Newport.

But, of course, Thurles and its people always remained close to his heart with the Tipperary Star the highlight of his week. 

Matt suffered ill health in recent years with a stroke in 2028.

However, despite health issues, his kind and caring nature, gentle manner with loyal friendships shone brightly to its end. 

Matt was cared for lovingly by his wife Maureen at home until his death on August 28, 2024.

Thank you, Matt’s customers and many friends who he loved dearly. 

Goodbye and thank you, Matt, Rest in Peace. 

Written by Maureen Fenelon