Service of Dedication – Kilmarnock Football Club – Memorial Garden
Deputy Lieutenant Matt Smith has a long family history and connections with Kilmarnock Football Club and recently represented the Lord Lieutenant at a Dedication Service for a Memorial Garden at Rugby Park. Matt’s links with the club go back to his grandfather, Mattha Smith who signed with the Club in 1916 and captained the winning team in the 1928/29 Scottish Cup final. His younger brother, Gordon, also played with the club.
The Memorial Garden plays tribute to the 8 former players of the club who died during active service; 7 during the First World War and 1 during the Second World War. Their details, regiments and date and place of death are recorded on individual commemoration plaques.
The Service was led by the club chaplain and Raymond Montgomery, on behalf of the club, outlined the background to the creation of the garden and gave thanks to everyone who had contributed and had been involved. Matt spoke on his family connection and how his grandfather played for the first team at a time when many of the older players would have been at the war front.
Matt is pictured below with his wife beside a photograph of his grandfather