Modest Matthew wins award

The 26 year old was at the Mail’s office in Carn on Tuesday where he was presented with his trophy by a representative of firmus energy, the award sponsors.

Matthew, a member of Victor Cricket Club, admits it came as a shock when he discovered he’d become the second winner of the now annual award.

“I was quite surprised, to be honest,” he said. ”It’s quite humbling and it’s very complimentary.”

Matthew has been given the award due to his tireless fundraising efforts for the club.

He found out he had won when he contacted Lurgan Mail journalist Graeme Cousins, regarding a different matter, who subsequently let him know of the award.

“It came as a wee bit of a shock.” Matthew said. “I don’t know who nominated me. Obviously, I don’t do anything to be recognised, but it’s nice that people appreciate it.”

He is passionate about cricket, which should be obvious through his work for the club.

He said, “I’ve been playing cricket from when I was 18 but seriously, for about five or six years now.”

Matthew doesn’t just confine himself to an on the field role however.

The club’s first-team captain also doubles up as treasur, in other words he’s the ultimate clubman.

“I’m the club treasurer, I’ve been club treasurer for three years and I’m also first team captain now.

“The nomination centred around doing a lot of work with sponsorship for the cricket club. We’ve raised quite a bit over the past couple of years, which keeps the club going.”

In addition to the work he does with the cricket club, Matthew works as a teacher in Dromore High School.

“I’ve worked there for two years.”, he told the Mail. “I worked in Portstewart the year before that.”

He is also an officer in Knocknamuckley Boys Brigade.

Regarding long-term goals, Matthew is uncertain. “I don’t really know.”, he added.

“I suppose I just hope to keep doing well in my job and playing cricket and see where it goes.”