A “life-long Dublin Republican” has been given a ‘colour party’ funeral following a parade through Dublin.
Matt McDonald, who died on March 1, was laid to rest after a march along the streets of his native Inchicore that featured an Irish tricolour-draped coffin, men in black gloves and berets and a lone piper who led the hearse.
An online tribute posted on Facebook by Irish Revolutionary News features a video recording of the march and shows men carrying the coffin to the entrance of the church.
In the comments section people have paid tribute to their “comrade”, adding that it was a “fitting tribute to a fine republican”.
“Rip Matt. You got the send off you deserved,” one person posted.
Matthew McDonald
Another replied: “A truly fitting tribute to Matt. I will always remember Matt, an honest and true man for what he stood for, always had a kind word of wisdom and friendship guidance.”
Another said: “Rest easy Mo Chara, your legacy will live on in Dublin for many more years to come. You were a proud Dubliner, a lifelong republican and more importantly a very good friend to me. You will be sadly missed.”
On his notice on RIP.ie, it states that the death has occurred of Matthew (Matt) McDonald, of Jamestown Avenue, Inchicore, Dublin, on March 1.
“Peacefully, surrounded by his family in the compassionate care of the doctors, nurses and staff at St James’s Hospital,” the notice reads.
“Matt will be sadly missed by his loving wife Loraine, sons Alan and Edward, daughter Fiona, grandchildren Darragh, Kayden, Liam, Sienna and Erin, great-grandchildren Jaxon, Freya and Mason, daughters-in-law Clara and Samantha, son-in-law Alan, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.”
In the condolences section, people have left numerous messages of support and sympathy including one that reads: “Our deepest condolences on the loss of your Dad.
“May his memory be a source of comfort and strength to you and your family during this difficult time.”
In another post by Irish Revolutionary News, it states that Saoradh, the IRPWA (The Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association) “and the wider Republican Movement send our heartfelt sympathies to the family, friends and comrades of life-long Dublin Republican, Matt McDonald”.
“Matt, a proud Dubliner and Inchicore native, played many roles in the republican struggle through the decades,” the tribute reads.
The flag-draped coffin arrives at the church
“His commitment to republican ideals and social justice brought him in touch with people all over Ireland and beyond, from anti-nuclear camps in Carnsore Point to local activism in his own community.
“His enthusiasm and wit were infectious whether being involved in local centres like The Inchicore Workman’s Clubs or travelling to anti-fascist conferences abroad.”
It adds that Matt was a founding member of Saoradh “and held many roles within the IRPWA right up until his death”.
“He was proud to have been to the fore in establishing the Eamonn Ceannt Republican Flute Band, Áth Cliath.
I measc laochra na nGael go raibh a anam.”