Obituary: Matthew Duggan

Matthew Duggan, at 86
Matthew Duggan of Hull, formerly of Dorchester, died unexpectedly on June 26. He was 86. 
Mr. Duggan came to the United States from Galway, Ireland, when he was 25 years old to play his beloved sport of Irish hurling. He loved to dance; he met the love of his life, Ann Marie (“Nancy”) Flaherty, at a dance at the Hiberian Hall in West Roxbury. They married and raised their family in Dorchester. 
Mr. Duggan worked for the Carmen’s Union Local 589 for many years. He enjoyed playing cards, fishing, trips to the casino, a pint of Guinness at the pub, gardening, and – of course – sports, especially hurling. Mr. Duggan was one of the founding fathers of Fr. Tom Burke’s Hurling Club, which originated in 1958. He also enjoyed singing; his favorites were Johnny Cash songs. Proud of his Irish roots, he cherished his trips back to the old country. 
Faith and family were the cornerstones of all that was truly important to Mr. Duggan. He will be remembered as a true gentleman, with a great sense of humor and quick Irish wit. He will be sadly missed by all those who were blessed to have known him. 
The beloved husband of the late Ann Marie Duggan, he was the devoted father of Matthew J. Duggan, of Hull; brother of Nellie Duggan and Sally Farragher, both of Ireland, and the late Mary Greally and Martin, Paddy, Walter, and Daniel Duggan. He was cherished Pops to Matthew J. Duggan Jr., and his fiancée, Samantha Fletcher, of Hull; Jacqueline Gouthro, of Dorchester; and Dillon Kelley, of Plymouth; and great-grandfather of Braden McBride and Lucas Ingram. Mr. Duggan is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.  
Services have been held. Memorial donations may be made to Fr. Tom Burke Hurling Club. See www.Keohane.com for online condolences.