The death of 77-year-old Matty Bardon on July 14 last was greeted with sadness in the Mullingar area. A native of The Downs, he and his wife of 53 years, Patricia, made Millmount their home where they reared their three children, Martin, Patrick and Claire. His working life was divided between Nugent's Garage and the Tobacco Factory. He also worked as a bus driver and was responsible for transporting Westmeath GAA teams to matches in other parts of the country.

As a young man, he played for The Downs and later served as club treasurer. He also refereed and retained a huge interest in the GAA throughout his life.