In his book, Dublin Folk Tales (2012), storyteller Brendan
Nolan includes the story of “Matt Talbot’s bed.” In it “you will read about the
neighbour of Matt who sold bits of the dead man’s bed until there was no more to
be had and then produced an unending supply of relics for
sale.”
While we might chuckle at such an enterprising neighbour, we must be
extremely careful about what is purported to be an authentic relic that is
offered for sale. For example, two recent relics of Matt Talbot has been
offered on online, one purporting to be earth from Matt’s gravehttp://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/1925-matt-talbot-earth-grave-133888124) and another which claims to be a particle from his wooden
pillow (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Reliquary-Relic-Venerable-Matt-Talbot-IRISH-Piety-Charity-Saint-of-Alcoholics-/120997540123?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c2c03f11b).
As for
relics sold on eBay, the follow links address their perspective
Our recommendation for those who are interested in seeking a relic of Matt Talbot is to inquire at http://www.matttalbot.ie/contact.htm, frbrian@stagathasparish.ie or