Educated at Ballymena Academy and Queens University, Matt Gillan was a talented soccer and rugby player in his school and university days. Gifted in mathematics, Matt settled in Bangor when he was appointed as a Maths teacher at Bangor Grammar School in the 1960’s. He joined Bangor Rugby Football Club and quickly established himself as a regular 1st XV player, captaining the club in the 67-68 season when they won the Junior League, Towns Cup and Past Players Cup. A quietly spoken but determined man, Matt continued to contribute significantly in helping prepare Bangor for a return to senior rugby in 1969. This was, in part, through his heavy involvement in coaching. At school, he was head coach of the Bangor Grammar School team that won its first Schools’ Cup in 1969. Matt captained Bangor again on their return to Senior rugby in 1969-70, the year Upritchard Park was officially opened. A great friend of the late Roy Loughead and Conn McCall, Matt followed in their footsteps in coaching Bangor in the mid-70s. In 1980, Matt then followed a long line of local club coaches when he was appointed Ulster coach for a season, leading Ulster to third place in the 1980 Inter-Provincial Championship. By that time, Matt’s teaching career had brought him to RBAI. He became Head of Maths and was a Senior VP until his retirement. Matt nevertheless remained in Bangor and stayed actively involved with the club. A great alikadoo and host on Boston Cup nights, he also served the club well as Ulster Branch Rep for many years. Matt was Club President in 1990-91, when Bangor finished well in Division 2 of the AIL in its inaugural year. With the emergence of professional rugby in the mid-90s, Matt began to spend more time enjoying his golf, a sport he modestly stated he was not particularly good at. Nevertheless, he enjoyed many years playing foursomes with his friends while lending support to his wife Beth, another keen golfer. During this time, Matt thoroughly enjoyed the privilege of becoming Captain of Bangor Golf Club, while Beth, his wife, served as Ladies’ Captain.

To Matt’s wife Beth, sons Mark and Richard, and daughter Susan and their families, we offer our deepest sympathy. Following a private family committal, a Service of Thanksgiving is being held in St Columbanus, Church of Ireland, Groomsport Road, Bangor on Friday 21st November 2025 at 2.00 pm.

Family flowers only please. Donations may be sent if desired to NI Chest, Heart & Stroke c/o S Clarke and Son Funeral Directors, 64 Newtownards Road, Bangor, BT20 4DR.