Matt wins volunteer title

A NORTHSIDE man has been named Volunteer of the Year for his dedication to his local Tidy Towns group. 

Ten years ago Matt Cullen joined Swords Tidy Towns where he has been instrumental in the success of the group. 

Matt prides himself on being inclusive and encourages people from every age and background to get involved in the group. 

His contribution has been invaluable to projects such as the revamp of the local Garda Station, the rejuvenation of the Swords Well and the development of a polytunnel project for young people with Youthreach.

A father of two originally from The Liberties, Matt has been volunteering for almost 40 years. 

When he moved into his first home in Finglas with wife Theresa, he knocked on every single door in the estate – over 200 – to begin his first residents’ committee.

Five years ago, Matt was diagnosed with the incurable condition Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, which causes scarring of the lungs. 

However, not only has this failed to dampen his volunteering spirit, he now also gives his time to the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association (ILFA). 

Matt is a keen artist and this year he held the first solo exhibition of his artwork with the proceeds going to ILFA. He also spoke at the European Respiratory Society International Congress on behalf of ILFA this year.

Niamh Treacy, secretary of Swords Tidy Towns, nominated Matt for the Christine Buckley Volunteer of the Year at the Volunteer Ireland Awards. 

“No matter how painstaking the task or how many times graffiti has been washed off the wall, Matt is always positive,” said Ms Treacy.

“He is always ready with a smile and a joke, encouraging new members and old, making difficult jobs easier and tedious jobs fun. 

“His positive attitude and example keeps us moving forward in our goals for the town. He is the smiling embodiment of what a citizen should be.”