Talbot, Matt (1856–1925)

Irish dockworker, recovered alcoholic, and Franciscan tertiary, declared Venerable in 1975 by Pope Paul VI.

Talbot was born in the Dublin docklands and worked from the age of 16 for Dublin Docks. He became an alcoholic, but took a total abstinence pledge in 1882, replacing drink with prayer in his life. He prayed daily in church and joined the Franciscan Tertiaries in 1890, following the Franciscan ideal in secular employment. Talbot was a dedicated reader of religious and nationalist literature, but avoided political activity. His remains were moved from Glasnevin Cemetery to the Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes in the docklands.