(Don't) raise a glass for 'saint' centenary day

TODAY marks the centenary of a man who has quietly become one of the most admired religious figures in Ireland.

- BY SEAN MURPHY

Matt Talbot is the unofficial patron saint of alcoholics, whose deep faith took him out of a life of drink and despair.

He was made “venerable” in 1975, which means his heroic virtue has been declared by the Pope.

Talbot died on June 7, 1925, suffering a heart attack on his way to daily mass.

The chains tied to his body - a symbol of his devotion are still marvelled at today.

Now, in 2025, his supporters will celebrate the 100th anniversary of his death and issue renewed calls for the Vatican to make him Ireland's newest saint.

Talbot was born into poverty in 1865 and grew up in Dublin's North Strand area, near Fairview, as the second of 12 children with an alcoholic father.