Retired fireman Greg had passion for capturing that special moment
By Maurice Garvey
TRIBUTES have poured in for the former Irish Street Photographer of the year winner Greg Matthews, who passed away recently.
The retired fireman from Palmerstown, grew up on Lally Road in Ballyfermot, and took up photography after spending 25 years in the Dublin Fire Brigade.
Greg Matthews who sadly passed away recently
After winning the Irish Street Photographer award 2015, Greg hosted a photography exhibition in Ballyfermot Library in November of that year.
The expo featured stunning black and white images of life in the city centre, and was also showcased at the Filmbase in Temple Bar.
Greg also went on to host further exhibitions in the library detailing life in Ballyfermot.
Speaking to The Echo at the time, Greg cited photography as his “passion” which had taken him on a journey of “self-discovery and creativity.”
“I just love to take photos of people, especially as they go about their daily lives. It’s all about capturing that moment.”
During the summer of 2015, residents in Cherry Orchard gave him permission to take a few snaps of a sulky race they were holding to honour the memory of Ballyfermot teenager Dayne Cody (15).
A DFB public post said: “We’re saddened to learn of the passing of retired station officer Greg Matthews. Greg served with DFB for 25 years before going on to become an award winning photographer.”
Ken Larkin, from the Ballyfermot Heritage Group said he was “so sorry to hear of the death of Greg Matthews” and offered sincere condolences on behalf of the group.
A message on RIP said Greg died peacefully at home in Glenmarron Park, Palmerstown, in the loving care of his family.
“Dearly loved husband of Trudy, and loving dad of Conor and Sinead. Sadly missed by his loving wife, son, daughter, brother Damien, sisters Antoinette, Deborah and Michelle, mother Madge, Trudy’s family, relatives and a large circle of friends and colleagues.”
A funeral service took place at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Ballyfermot.
