The Late Matthew Larkin A local publican who always had a kind word for everyone will be sadly missed by the people of Parteen and all who knew him in South East Clare. Larkin's Cross was names after the Larkin family where Matt Larkin was proprietor of the landmark pub. The building has been in the Larkin family for over 300 years as a roadhouse, a forge and a pub. Mr Larkin died in the early hours of April 29 at the Mid Western Regional Hospital with his partner Breege at his bedside. The 71 year old was a highly respected and decent man who was devoted to the local GAA club, Parteen St Nicholas. "Matt was one of the most dedicated hurlers the parish ever produced and was captain of the Meelick team that won the Old Ground Cup in 1963 and a member of the Parteen/Meelick side that won the championship in 1968," said local historian, Donal O'Riain. Joe Sherlock was Mr Larkin's teammate in those games. "Matt was a leader and great man to have beside you, a great defender who didn't spare the ash." Former county and Parteen star, Michael O'Connor said "Everything I achieved in hurling I owe to Matty. He was like a father figure to all the young boys around, driving us to training in Knocklisheen and protecting us on the field of play." Last October, Mr Larkin organised a reunion of all the players who played on the teams in the sixties. He was also an accomplished athlete and a member of Redgate Athletic Club in his youth. The GAA enthusiast made a significant contribution to the club off the field by keeping detailed records of all the matches played by the club. He recorded the team that played, scorers and all the subs on the day which later proved invaluable to those writing the history of the club. The club lotto draw was often held at his bar at Larkin's Cross. Club chairman, PJ O'Doherty, said Mr Larkin was a great clubman throughout his life who lived for the GAA and will be sorely missed. His coffin was draped in the club colours and his colleagues from Meelick and Parteen GAA clubs, and Redgate Athletic club formed guard of honour at his funeral mass which took place at St Patrick's Church Parteen. He is survived by his partner Breege, sister Maureen, nephews Michael, Matthew, Noel and Alan. Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís. Matt Larkin, born January 1938, died April 29, 2009 Courtesy of the Limerick Leader 16th May 2009 By Donal O'Shea Tweet

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