Catholic. The Late Rev. M. Matthews, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 23 December 1882, p 9, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article111315682:

It is with feelings of deep sorrow that we record the death of the Rev. M. Matthews, of the Maitland diocese, whose decease took place at the presbytery, Newcastle, on Tuesday last. The lamented priest was long and favourably known in the northern district as a zealous good priest, and a courteous kindly gentleman. He was a native of Dundalk, and in 1864 entered All Hallows' College as an ecclesiastical student. After two years he proceeded to Rome and completed his studies at the Irish College, and shortly afterwards sailed for Maitland, where, for some years, he was an assistant priest of the Cathedral. On the establishment by his Lordship Dr. Murray of the Sacred Heart College, his Lordship, recognising the zeal, energy, and high learning of the deceased, made him its first president. Here he laboured for some years in conjunction with the late Mr. Canty—applying himself to his duties with characteristic diligence and skill, and truly spending himself in the desire to advance the interest, spiritual and temporal, of those committed to his care. Here, too, the symptoms of the disease which ultimately caused his death first manifested themselves, and four years since he was compelled to relinquish his duties and seek by a visit to his native land renewed health and strength. Previous to his departure his fellow priests, as also the laity of Maitland, gave practical proof of the love and respect in which they held him. He spent two years at home, and about eighteen months since returned to Maitland with some hopes of an improvement in health. For a little time he discharged the Rev. T. Corcoran's duties at Morpeth, while absent through ill-health, and later still, for a short period, acted as professor in St. Charles's Seminary, Bathurst. But consumption had obtained complete mastery, and during the past twelve months he performed no duties whatsoever. He went where he wished throughout the diocese—being everywhere received as a welcome guest. His strength gradually declined, and for some time past he resided at the presbytery, Newcastle. For a month he had been confined to his bed, and on Tuesday morning last broke a small blood vessel. The Rev. Father Clancy was immediately afterwards by his bedside, as were also his Lordship Dr. Murray and the Rev. E.P. Meagher. Within a few minutes after the fatal attack he became unconscious and then expired. His body was laid in state in St. Mary's Church, Newcastle, and after a requiem Mass was celebrated it was conveyed to Maitland, where it was placed in the Cathedral. At 10 a.m. a Solemn Dirge and Requiem High Mass was sung, at which his Lordship presided. There were also present the Very Rev. P. Hand, V.G., the Rev. B. M. McCabe, O.S.F., P. Meagher, D. McGrath, J. Clancy, P.D. Ryan, T. Corcoran, T. O'Neil, M. Foran, E. Vaughan (C.SS.R), D. O'Leary, J. Murphy. J. Ahern, E.P. Sheehy, T. D'Arcy, and V. Dwyer. The Revs. T. Corcoran, P. Meagher, and T. O'Neil were celebrant, deacon, and sub-deacon of the mass, and the Very Rev. P. Hand, V.G., and Rev. V. Dwyer masters of ceremonies. The altar was draped in black, and the coffin reposed on a catafalque in front of the altar. At the conclusion of the mass the final absolution was pronounced by his Lordship. There was a very large congregation, and the utmost desire was shown to express the feelings of veneration and love of all for the lamented deceased. In the evening the funeral took place from the Cathedral, the deceased being interred by his own request in the cemetery at Campbell's Hill. At the grave, as in the cathedral, his Lordship officiated, and was attended by the priests present in the morning.

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T.W. Campbell, The Priests of the Diocese of Armidale: A Necrology, Braddon ACT, 2005:
Matthews, Michael

Born in Armagh, date and place of birth unknown. Details of education unknown. Studied at All Hallows, date and place of ordination unknown (although possibly Rome). Arrived in Melbourne on his way to the Maitland diocese on 16 November 1871 on the Antiope. His initial appointment was at East Maitland (1872-1873) and he was Principal of Sacred Heart College West Maitland in 1875. He also was at Newcastle (1877-1879). He took health trips to Tasmania (1877) and Melbourne (1880). He is listed in Doody as having worked in the diocese in 1882, but no details are known. It is possible he provided short term relief at Quirindi, Tamworth or Gunnedah at that time. He died at Newcastle on 12 February 1882 and was buried at Campbell's Hill, Maitland.
(Sources: Doody, Campbell, Advocate 25 Nov 1871 p 7, 16 Oct 1875 p 6, 17 Feb 1877 p 8, 11 Dec 1880 p 6, MDHC A-Z M66).

(Reproduced by permission of Tom Campbell.)