THE funeral service took place yesterday of a Church of Ireland minister in the same church where he was married less than a week ago. Rev Alan Matchett, who was Rector of Adare Union of Parishes, died suddenly last Friday after becoming ill.
A week ago he married Lisa Middleton in the Knockbride church, near Bailieboro, Co Cavan.
He was laid to rest there yesterday.
The Bishop of Limerick and Killaloe, Right Rev Trevor Williams paid tribute to Rev Matchett on Sunday in the Old Abbey church in Adare.
"Alan’s calm, friendly manner, and his quick wit endeared him to all. His considerable musical talent, his sensitive leadership of the liturgy, and pastoral concern, enriched his ministry.
"Our prayers are for Lisa, Alan’s wife, in her incomparable loss having started out on married life with Alan so recently; also family members, particularly Alan’s mother Joan, and Lisa’s mother Angela."
A gifted organist, Rev Matchett had returned in 2008 to the Limerick area where he had served a curacy in St Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick, to be Rector of the Old Abbey Church of St Nicholas in Adare.
He met his wife-to-be during his first incumbency in the Bailieborough Group of Parishes.