obituary Stanley Matchett


Since he died in March 2025 at the age of 92, there have been many thoughtful words spoken by photographer Stanley Matchett’s colleagues. Working for the Belfast


Telegraph for many years, he was the consummate professional. While he took time to set up his subject, he was also adept at capturing the fleeting moment as


he did with what has been called the iconic image of The Troubles. On Bloody Sunday in January


1972, he photographed Bishop Edward Daly coming out of the Bogside in Derry, bent over, waving his blood-stained handkerchief escorting the fatally wounded Jackie Duddy as he was carried from the battleground. The photo was circulated around


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the world – the impact was powerful. Looking back at the day, Bishop Daly praised the brave photographer who put his life on the line to bring the horror to the public. Four years ago, Stanley took part in UTV’s programme Frontline. He chose to revisit Donegall Street in Belfast, where seven people were killed at the height of The Troubles. It must have been difficult for him to relive the devastation, walking among the dead and the injured when, through the acrid smoke, he recalled seeing a paratrooper comforting a girl who had been seriously hurt and, again, his picture of the man gently holding the injured teenager made the news. He was moved by the image as were thousands of others. Although The Troubles were a


major part of his portfolio, his was a broad lens, taking in fashion shoots, publicity photos and portraiture. Stanley also


captured shots of the Beatles during their performances in Belfast in 1963. In 2003, Stanley was appointed


an MBE for services to photography. He was named Northern Ireland Sports Photographer of the Year on three occasions; he also won Press Photographer of the Year as well as the Rothmans Press award.


In addition, he was an


accomplished teacher. Every year, he held classes in County Donegal, where he took his pupils to beautiful and challenging locations, encouraging them to produce their best work, always with his wife Mo who was both his assistant and his constant support. Stanley Matchett claimed


many front pages and, whether he was working for features or news, he was caring and dedicated, an expert and a thoroughly charming man.


Anne Hailes


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STANLEY MATCHETT


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