Pro-Life Hero Peter Mathews Laid to Rest

07.03.2017

There was widespread sadness at the news last week that former TD Peter Mathews had died following a battle with cancer. Mr Mathews (65) was elected to the Dail for Fine Gael in 2011 and was one of those who lost the party whip in 2013 when he refused to vote for the government’s abortion bill.

He spent a short time with the Reform Alliance, which included TDs Lucinda Creighton and Billy Timmins, but opted against joining Renua and instead served as an independent before losing his seat in 2016 in the newly formed Dublin Rathdown constituency. He fought that election despite having recently been diagnosed with cancer.

Mr Mathews is survived by his wife Susan, four children and wide circle of relatives and friends.

At his funeral Mass on Friday, in the presence of a capacity congregation, the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Charles Brown paid tribute to Peter’s courage, describing him as an “outstanding citizen and great patriot who possessed a radiant faith”.

Peter Mathews was a man of exceptional character. Unfailingly courteous, he was unswerving in his commitment to do what he believed was right. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Irish Independent. February 28. The Irish Times. March 3. Family & Life. March 3.