You simply couldn’t get a nicer person

You simply couldn’t get a nicer person

18 January 2017

GLOWING tributes have been paid to Saintfield teenager Matthew Davis, who died from injuries he sustained in a road crash last week.

The 18 year-old, who was a student at St Colman’s High and Sixth Form College in Ballynahinch,  was on his way to work at the Sainsbury’s store in Lisburn when he was injured in the accident at the Lisburn Road near Saintfield last Wednesday evening. He died two days later at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

Tributes to the bubbly student, who was described as “someone you couldn’t help but love,” were led by his close friend, Ryan Straney, and Darragh Cross GAC and Killyleagh YC Football Club who 

Matthew played for.

Ryan (19), who is related to Matthew, who scored the winning goal for his school in a football match on the day he was killed, said a prayer during his funeral service at Mary Mother of the Church in Saintfield on Monday afternoon.

He continued: “Matthew and I would be out most weekends kicking a ball about or in each other’s houses on the Play Station. Although related to Matthew, we became very close when his family returned to the area from New Zealand a number of years ago.

“Matthew was a gentleman, you could not help but love him. He could talk for Ireland and was so kind and humble. Everyone loved him and I never heard anyone say a bad word about him. No one ever would.

“I played for Killyleagh with Matthew last year in the U-19s and second eleven teams and he was a great player. He could play anywhere but he was mostly in midfield; he was quick and athletic and there wasn’t much he was not good at. He was an all-rounder and could have went on to bigger and better things in the soccer and GAA worlds.”

Ryan, who spent time at Matthew’s hospital bedside with some of the Saintfield teenager’s other friends, said he was “devastated and inconsolable” when he heard he had passed away.

“I could not believe something like this had happened,” he continued. “You simply couldn’t get a nicer person. Matthew’s funeral service was very moving and the large number of people who attended showed what people thought of him. He was loved by everyone and was a fantastic fella. You just can’t say enough about him.”

Ryan added: “I am going to miss Matthew desperately. When you plan to go out you will forget he is not going to be there and it definitely won’t be the same without him. Matthew was always a very witty guy and always there to cheer you up when you were not feeling so good. He could have you in stitches all night if he wanted.

“My thoughts are with Matthew’s family who have been lovely and very supportive to his friends. They have told us we are welcome at their home any time and have been great. I cannot say enough about them either.”

Darragh Cross GAC official, Dan Murray, said the club provided a guard of honour for the teenager at Monday’s funeral service, describing Matthew as a “very popular, pleasant young man who was extremely well liked.”

He said Matthew played for the club’s U-12s and U-14s and revealed he was a very talented Gaelic footballer, who was quick and athletic and who put scores on the board quickly.

“Matthew only took up the sport when his family came back from New Zealand and he took to it right away,” said Dan who revealed the teenager’s father Darin manages Darragh Cross U-12s with his brothers Adam and Marcus playing for the club’s underage teams.

“Matthew was very popular. He was a very pleasant young man who was extremely well liked, always smiling and polite. He would always thank you after every training session and certainly had the potential to play at a higher level.”

Dan added: ”Matthew was popular with his team mates and no one had a bad word to say about him. When news came through of his death we were all devastated; it was hard to believe. People are still in shock. There is a deep sense of loss all round and I don’t think it has really sunk in yet. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Killyleagh YC said in a statement that it was with “deep sadness” the club learned of Matthew’s passing.

“Matty, as he was known to his team mates, captained both the U16s and U18s before progressing into both our reserves and first team over the last two seasons,” said a club statement.

“The chairman, committee, management team, players and supporters would like to pass on their sincere condolences to the Davis family and Matty’s wide circle of friends. We ask that you keep the Davis family in your thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.”

Matthew is survived by his parents Darin and Angela and brothers Jamie, Marcus and Adam.