Tributes have been paid following the death of Tom Grace, founder, long-time chair and Life President of Cabragh Wetlands Trust, who has been described as the visionary whose determination helped transform the Thurles site into one of Tipperary’s most valued environmental and community amenities.
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Members, volunteers and staff at Cabragh Wetlands said they learned of Mr Grace’s passing with “profound sadness and a real sense of loss”, remembering him as a man who saw the potential of the area long before its importance was widely recognised.
Mr Grace played a central role in establishing what has become a thriving centre for conservation, education and recreation just outside Thurles.
Those involved with the project say that without his vision, determination and leadership, Cabragh Wetlands as it exists today would not have been possible.
The origins of Cabragh Wetlands date back to 1984, when the closure of the Thurles Sugar Factory put wildlife habitats created by its settling ponds under threat.
At the time, Mr Grace was President of the Thurles Chamber of Commerce and attempted to have the local authority intervene to protect the area, but those efforts proved unsuccessful.
A chance meeting with the late Willie Gaynor at Cabragh, where Mr Gaynor had been birdwatching, proved pivotal. Both men recognised the environmental loss that would follow if the ponds disappeared and decided to engage directly with the sugar factory.
A meeting was subsequently arranged with factory management involving Mr Grace, Mr Gaynor and members of Holycross and Thurles Gun Clubs.
While the talks did not secure the retention of the settling ponds, the factory offered a parcel of land to the group. That land became the foundation of what has grown into more than 80 acres now owned by Cabragh Wetlands.
Friends and colleagues say Mr Grace always acknowledged the efforts of others but possessed a rare combination of vision and persistence that helped turn the idea of a wetlands centre into reality.
From the outset, Cabragh Wetlands adopted the motto of conservation, education and recreation – principles that continue to guide the organisation today.
For many years, as chair of Cabragh Wetlands Trust, Mr Grace worked alongside a dedicated group of volunteers to develop the site. Bird hides, walking routes, car parking facilities and a visitor centre were established, followed later by a major extension of the centre.
Fundraising was a constant focus during this time. Mr Grace was known for his ability to secure grant aid and for leading numerous fundraising initiatives that helped drive the project forward.
A prominent figure in Thurles, he was involved in many local organisations and built a wide network of contacts, which he frequently called upon in support of the Cabragh project.
One of the proudest moments in the development of the wetlands came on May 19, 2018, when the new centre was officially opened by President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins. The centre was blessed on the day by the Archbishop of Cashel and Emly, Kieran O’Reilly.
Those involved with Cabragh Wetlands recall the occasion as a milestone for the project and a moment of great pride for Mr Grace and the volunteers who had helped shape the development of the site over many years.
After four decades of service, Mr Grace stepped down from the Cabragh committee in 2021. In recognition of his dedication and contribution, he was appointed Life President of Cabragh Wetlands Trust.
Today, the vision shared by Mr Grace and the other founding members continues to guide the organisation. The centre regularly hosts community events, while the Tipperary Centre for Environmental Learning provides environmental workshops, courses and classes for people of all ages.
The wetlands themselves continue to be carefully managed, with ongoing efforts to protect and improve the habitat. Visitors regularly enjoy walks along the tranquil paths that wind through the reserve.
Those involved with Cabragh Wetlands say the legacy left by Mr Grace and the founding volunteers is substantial, providing both a clear vision for the future and a strong base of dedicated volunteers to carry the work forward.
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