'Never lost his grá for home' - Tributes to Mayo man who ran business in New York

A Mayo man who had a successful business career in New York, has passed away.

Mattie Forde, Clondra, Longford, who died some weeks ago at Mullingar Regional Hospital, was formerly of Bohaunes, Kiltimagh.

He was son of the late Nora (nee Sloyan) and Matt Forde and a member of a prominent family in the Knock and Kiltimagh areas.

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His mother, known almost to everyone as ‘Nurse Forde', was a legendary lady in the region in former times and served as midwife over a vast area in the days when almost all children were born at home.

She was also deeply involved with Knock Shrine where she assisted so many people on a voluntary basis down through the years.

Mattie (82, pictured) spent many years in New York where he established a carpet business that became renowned for quality and service.

It expanded rapidly over the years and became a major employer with a large outreach to various parts of New York and hinterland.

Many young men from the Kiltimagh region secured good employment in Matt’s business, especially back in the 1980s when things were low back home.

Mattie, a former pupil of St Jarlath’s College, Tuam, retained life-long friendships from his years in Tuam. It was there that his love of football took root and he featured with a number of college teams in those years.

He was also associated with the Mayo Society in New York and was to the fore with John Fitzgerald from Irishtown and Mike Glynn from Murneen, Barnacarroll, in bringing the first tele-casts of All Ireland finals to theatres in New York a few decades ago.

He never lost his grá for home and loved meeting neighbours for a game of cards in Tommy Walsh’s in Kilcun on those trips from America and also at the regular Wednesday night 25 game in The Shepherd and Flock, Kiltimagh, run by Jimmy and Mary Doyle. Some trips to Mass in Knock were always on his list during those visits from America.

After many years in New York, Mattie and his wife Mary (nee Igoe from Longford), decided to relocate to Ireland and settle in Clondra on the banks of the Shannon, just a few miles from Longford town.

Mattie was blessed with a fine sense of humour and he could spin a yarn with the best of them. He could make himself at home anywhere and was the best of good company.

Former Mayo footballer, Eugene Rooney, who was goalie on the Mayo team that won the National League in 1970, and who is a well known and popular businessman in New York for many years now, was among those leading the tributes.

“I had some fabulous times with Matt whether it was in a restaurant, pub, football pitch or golf course. We sure had some craic. I find it hard to believe that Matt is no longer with us.”

James Slamon commented: “He was a man of kindness, generosity, and warmth, and I feel truly grateful to have shared so many meaningful moments with your family over the years.

“I will always remember the times spent together here in New York, especially helping Matt and Mary to prepare food for those in need. Going from stop to stop around the city and handing out meals to the homeless showed the depth of his compassion and his unwavering commitment to helping others.

“His kindness was not just spoken but lived, and he made a difference in so many lives, including mine. Beyond his generosity, I also cherish the fun times we all shared, and the many wonderful New York dinners. My heart is with you all during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the love and legacy he leaves behind.”

Charles Kelly, St Jarlath’s College, Tuam, said he was sorry to hear of the death of Matthew, a former student of the college. “Mattie was a highly respected student and always retained an interest in the college. He supported the college financially during his time in America and was a personal friend of the late Fr Oliver Hughes, a former principal of the school. As a former deputy principal, I offer my sympathy to the Forde family.”

Reposing was at Glennon's Funeral Home, Longford, and Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated in St Brendan's Church, Clondra. A cremation service was held the following day in Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan.

Mattie, who was predeceased by his brother Peter (Manchester 1997), will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his wife Mary Igoe, sons Matt (Dublin), Kevin and Brian (New York), daughters Monica (Ennis) and Teresa (Galway), brothers Michael, John and Pius, sisters Mary, Áine, Eithne and Bernie, daughters-in-law Therese and Joni, son-in-law Michael, grandchildren Justin, Dubheasa, Brianna, Olivia, Michael, Jessica, Matthew, Lexi and Jadi, great-grandchildren Rían, Layla and Seán, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.

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