For many of us across the extended community and further afield Wednesday, 8 January 2025, was a day of mixed emotions when news broke of the passing of the legendary Matt Gartland, Grangebeg, Raharney. Yes it was a day of great sadness having lost such an inspirational resident but it was also a day of joy as we celebrated the long life of a man who had put so much life and energy into his time with us.
The genial nonagenarian wore the cloak of legend with great humility, that’s what Matt was, a very humble person, but embodied in that humility was a man with a steely determination, a will to succeed, be it on the hurling playing fields with his beloved Raharney or in the construction and timber business. A day without a challenge, adventure and excitement was a waste of a day for the ever resilient Matt. Education was most important to him, along with his wonderful wife Linda he made sure that he passed on that love of learning to his children so that they could face the different challenges of life. He was first and foremost a very loving family man. Every effort he made was for the betterment of family with Linda as his soul-mate, and the grand- children brought a new energy to Matt. They now had a co-conspirator in a great deal of the mischief, treasured moments which are now precious memories of a loving grandad.
