By Terence Mulvenna

We at the Glenarm club were deeply saddened on Wednesday morning when news broke of the passing of Edward (Eddie) Matthews. Eddie was a past player, past Chairman, life member, one of our club Trustees and a great friend to us all. We offer our heartfelt condolences to Bridie, Jacqueline, David, Deidre, daughter/sons-in-law, grandchildren and the wider family.

Having returned from working at sea, (in his words, “the seven seas”) Eddie Matthews played for Glenarm from the late 60’s, right through the 70’s, and into the early 80’s. Among the silverware he collected were Intermediate championship, 1976 & 1981 and the Countess of Antrim, early 80’s. Most of his playing career was spent wearing the No 3 jersey, a position he took great pride in. Tough and uncompromising Eddie was never one to shirk away from confrontation on the pitch, but on hearing the final whistle he was first to extend the hand of friendship, a friendship that took him into the hearts of many Gaels through Antrim and further afield.

Eddie Loved the game of hurling and travelled far and wide to see it played, be it by his home club or a team from the other end of Ireland. Prior to being struck down by Parkinsons Disease he had attended 49 All Ireland Hurling finals on the trot. Sadly the half Century was not to be.

Mary Queen of Gael, pray for a good and decent man.