I first met Matti in 1989 and visited with him on each of my subsequent visits to Ireland. He was a retired farmer. He managed to see that each member of his large family was educated, all of them now professionals in the education, legal or health fields.

On the evening prior to his funeral mass, his coffin ,draped with the Tricolour, was removed from O'Halloran's Funeral Home in Corofin and the procession continued about three miles to the Kilnaboy Church. A lifelong supporter and campaigner on behalf of Fianna Fail, local party members formed a guard of honor. The crowds were huge.

On the day of his funeral, the church was packed with his friends. All of county Clare's T.D.s and councillors with the exception of Ms. Sile de Valera , Fianna Fail T.D. for county Clare, attended the funeral mass. Ms. de Valera was abroad on business but had visited with Matti at his home before her departure .

Famed Irish musician, Davy Spillane, played music at intervals during the mass.

I will remember the times while enjoying a Guinness, we sang a few verses of Slievenamon.

Matti --- Rest In Peace