Farmer Matt was a great community man
MATT BANVILLE of Assagart, Foulksmills, passed away at the age of 91 on March 2 at Cherrygrove Nursing Home.
Born on April 6, 1926 at Barry’s Cross, Taghmon, to parents Denis and Jane Banville (nee Whitty), Matt was one of eight children. He is survived by his sister Peg Redmond, and was predeceased by his brothers Tommy, Paddy, Jack and Lar; and his sisters Bet (Nolan) and Mai (Fardy).
He was educated in the Old School in Caroreigh and during that time he also served as an Altar Boy, when the Mass was said in Latin. Matt could recite the prayers in Latin right up to the time of his passing.
At the age of 14 Matt started working with his uncles, Paddy, Tom and Matt, and aunt Mary on their farm in Assagart. He moved to live with them when he was 16. Assagart was the birthplace of his late father Denis. His cousins Min and Lizzie Roche also lived in Assagart with their uncles and aunt as their mother Margaret, had died young.
Matt came to be known as ‘Matt of the Line’ when the new road to Wexford was built, which was known as the new line.
Matt was a farmer all his life, he had a particular interest in sheep and tillage. He was the first farmer in the area to sow beet with a precision sower. He also cut corn for hire. He was very good with his hands, manufacturing inventions to make life easier for himself on the farm, and his work was always very tasty.
Matt played hurling and football with Camross and was part of the famous 1949 team, winning the county junior championship in hurling and football. He had a life-long interest in the GAA and was delighted last September, to receive a Seana Ghael Certificate for dedicated service to the GAA. Matt was honoured with a guard of honor from Taghmon/Camross GAA Club members at his funeral.
Matt had great faith; he attended Mass weekly in Little Cullenstown and for many years went to the holy hour in Clongeen. He worked tirelessly for the Parish of Clongeen and he was a member of the Parish Committee for many years, holding the position of Treasurer. He collected for the ‘Silver Circle’ to raise money for parish funds. Matt also collected for the building of the new church in Little Cullenstown which was built 50 years ago this year.
Matt was a founder member of the Clongeen Ploughing Assocation and was also honoured with a guard of honor from the members at his funeral. He held the role of depth judge at the Clongeen ploughing competitions. A ruler was included in the symbols of life brought to the altar at the beginning of his funeral Mass. Also representing his life were his rosary beads, a sheaf of barley, his welding mask, a family photo, a Clongeen newsletter and his Seana Ghael Certificate.
Matt’s home in Assagart was at one end of the parish of Clongeen adjoining the parish of Adamstown. He had great affection for Clongeen and always kept up to date with the life of the parish. Matt was described by his neighbours, at the time of his passing, as a great neighbour.
A couple of years ago, Matt moved to Cherrygrove Nursing Home where he was very happy. He continued to enjoy the quiet life, looking out on nature, in the company of the staff and his visitors. Matt’s family would like to thank the staff for the care shown to him. He attended Mass celebrated by Fr Gerard O’Leary and also had weekly visits from Fr John French who he knew in his younger days - Matt had often given him a lift to school when he was going to the mill.
Matt was blessed with a great memory; he could recount stories going back to his childhood right up to the time of his passing. He had some great sayings, he would always say, when he was happy with something he had achieved or completed, ‘ That’s the real biz’ and when he was leaving somewhere to go home, ‘I’ll buzz off now’.
Matt was laid to rest in Kilgarvan cemetary after his funeral Mass in Little Cullenstown Church. He is survived by his sister, Peg Redmond, his brother-in-law Denny Nolan (UK), his nephews, nieces, grand newp hews and grandnieces.
His month’s mind Mass will take place on Sunday, April 8 at 9 a.m. in the Chruch of the Assumption, Little Cullenstown.
May he rest in peace.