Brian Matthews, the well known menswear retailer and Moorefield GAA supporter, was a Cavan man who made Newbridge his home. Some people go through life and make their mark in spectacular ways, everybody knows who they are, who they know and who can get things done for them. Other people live quietly, modestly and have a huge influence on the personal lives of those who are fortunate to know them. The late Brian Matthews, a native of Virginia, Co Cavan fell into the latter category; he was one of nature's gentlemen, a man who impacted on the lives of countless people in his quiet and unassuming way.
One always felt better for having met him or being cheered by his humour or encouraged by his advice - often delivered in a whisper or by way of anecdote or moral story.
Having worked in the drapery trade in Arva, Longford, Newbridge and Dublin, Brian said he "missed Newbridge, the people and the sense of community."
He returned to establish The Mans Shop at 7 Edward Street, Newbridge in 1967. The business was an immediate success, and still is today, having been extended when Conlon's grocery shop was added to the premises.
He attracted clientele from a very wide geographical area. Such was customer satisfaction that people would often write out their clothing and footwear requirements, leave a list in the shop and call to collect the goods an hour or so later, knowing that everything would be as requested.
Brian always kept in touch with his roots and bought the Anglo Celt newspaper every week; in fact, he knew more about Cavan news than most people living in that county.
He was an avid supporter of amateur drama productions and, in particular, liked those with a rural flavour - The Country Boy, Victor's Dung and The Pitch among his favourites in recent years. He also enjoyed set dancing and travelled to many places, near and far.
Brian quickly became part of the fabric of his adopted town. A keen footballer, he immersed himself in the Moorefield club and was part of a very successful team which won three Leader Cup titles. He was club treasurer for several years and applied his business and financial acumen to great effect in fundraising ventures and financial planning for Moorefield.
He was a wonderful club supporter and the senior teams which won five county titles between 2000 and 2010 benefited greatly from his generosity. As a Cavan man living in Kildare, Brian's dream was an All-Ireland final between the Breffni county and the Lily Whites.
This was not to happen, but it was a pity he did not live to see Cavan play London in Croke Park and qualify for the All-Ireland quarter-final against Kerry at the very time his remains were being brought home to College Park - via a stop at The Mans Shop.
Brian's favourite time of year was "May, when you heard the music of the Sunday Game starting and you knew there was a long summer of championship football and hurling to look forward to. Of course, I always enjoyed the clashes between Moorefield and Sarsfields and the atmosphere they brought to the town."
A regular attendee at 8pm Mass in the Dominician College every Saturday evening, in a pew beside the status of St Martin, Brian was a man of deep faith and devotion which sustained him throughout his life, especially following the death of his wife, Anne in 2001, and during the illness which befell him in recent years.
Brian Matthews will be sorely missed by Moorefield club and the Newbridge community but he will be especially missed and always loved by his family.
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his sons James and Paul, his daughters Claire and Aine, his daughter-in-law Annette, his son-in-law Stephen and his grandchildren Eva, Shane and Emma.
Brian, may your memory sustain us in times of difficulty, may your humour remain with us to lessen our worries and may your gentle soul inspire us to be kind and generous with our time, as you were with yours for the enrichment of the numerous lives you touched. And may you rest in peace.
Moorefield GAA club

Leinster Leader, 13th August 2013 Tweet

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