Tributes paid to Tipperary man whose 'life was marked by extraordinary commitment to community'

It was with deep sadness that people across Tipperary, Limerick and beyond, learned of the death of Paul Grisewood, Rathnaveen, Tipperary Town and Ballyneety, Co Limerick, who passed away on March 2. Paul was the beloved son of the late Catherine and Gerard Grisewood of Cappa House, Cappawhite, and brother of the late Gerard. He was also predeceased by his grandson Daniel.

Throughout his life Paul became widely known and respected as a man of great community spirit, generosity and friendship.

He was a man whose life was marked by extraordinary commitment to community. In his early years he worked with Macra na Feirme, travelling the length and breadth of the country establishing branches and encouraging young people to become involved in their communities.

This experience reflected a commitment to rural life and voluntary effort that remained with him throughout his life.

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He had a deep love for Tipperary Town and played a pivotal role in a number of important initiatives there. Paul was a founding member of the Canon Hayes Recreation Centre, the Tipperary Excel Heritage Centre and the Tipperary Technology Park.

He had a strong affinity with Muintir na Tíre and its ideals of community self-help and rural development. Through his parents he also had a close association with its founder the great community pioneer Canon John Hayes.

While his commitment to Tipperary Town was immense, Paul never lost his deep love for his native Cappawhite.

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Many will remember the famous "Faction Fights", with Paul playing a key role in the Cappawhite Faction Fighters, whose performances brought laughter and entertainment to audiences across Ireland and even as far as the United States.

Those performances became a much-loved part of local culture and community gatherings. People will also remember the wonderful floats he produced for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Cappa, which were always a highlight of the celebrations, and a reflection of Paul’s creativity, humour and enthusiasm for community life.

His voluntary work extended far beyond his own locality. He volunteered with Novas in Limerick and served as a volunteer driver with the Irish Cancer Society, giving generously of his time to help others.

Beekeeping was one of Paul’s great hobbies. He was one of the founders of the Thomond Beekeeping Association and rarely travelled anywhere without a jar or two of his honey to share.

His hives were kept at Crokers Farm in Ballyneety, and in the time-honoured tradition they will now "tell the bees" of his passing. Many happy evenings followed at Croker's Farm, and when the beekeepers adjourned from there to the local hostelry for music and conversation, with Paul regularly providing the music on the fiddle. Music was one of Paul’s great joys in life.

Wherever he travelled, the fiddle went with him. He had a natural gift for finding a session and joining in, whether it was in a local pub, at home, or further afield on his many travels.

From Mary Connie’s in Donohill, to places as far away as Manila in the Philippines, Paul was always ready to take out the fiddle and share a tune with friends, old and new and "The Marino Waltz", could be heard in Tipperary or indeed in some place on the other side of the world.

Another important part of Paul’s life was his commitment to helping those less fortunate. For many years he travelled abroad as a volunteer with the Niall Mellon Trust and Habitat for Humanity, giving his time and energy to building homes for families in need.

These annual trips reflected Paul’s deep sense of solidarity and his belief that communities are strengthened when people are willing to lend a helping hand. Whether at home in Tipperary or on building sites far from Ireland, Paul brought the same generosity of spirit, enthusiasm and willingness to serve.

Paul also loved sport. He was a passionate supporter of Tipperary hurling and Munster Rugby and was particularly delighted recently to receive a visit from the Liam McCarthy Cup.

In October 2022 he walked the Camino for his grandson Andrew. Not long afterwards Paul became ill. Despite a long and difficult battle, he never allowed illness to diminish his spirit.

He remained active and engaged, and even organised reunions for the founding members of the Canon Hayes Recreation Centre — a project that remained very close to his heart.

Deep gratitude is due to Milford Care Centre, the South Tipperary Hospice Movement, Dr Iver Hanrahan, and especially to his daughter Marie and her family for the loving care he received at their home at Farnaclara, Donohill.

Paul is mourned by his daughters Marie and Edwina, sons Damien, Eugene and Vivion, sons-in-law Mark and Michael, daughters-in-law Joanne, Tanya and Johanna, his grandchildren Abi, Dylan, Gearoid, Andrew, Aimee, Hannah, Juliette, Dáithí and Fiadh, his brothers Frank, Jimmy and John, sisters Therese, Margaret and Eileen, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

Paul reposed at his daughter Marie’s residence at Farnaclara, Donohill, on Wednesday March 4. Requiem Mass was celebrated for the repose of his soul at the Church of Our Lady of Fatima, Cappawhite, on Thursday March 5.

It was especially fitting that, to the strains of "The Marino Waltz" on the fiddle, Paul’s remains left Cappawhite Church for burial in Cappawhite Cemetery.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.

On a personal note, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to Paul’s family on their loss. I had the privilege of being his friend for over forty years, first becoming acquainted through the Canon Hayes Recreation Centre.

Over those years we worked together on many projects and he was a great support to me when I needed it most. I will miss his messages and our meetings.

"The music has quietened, the work is done, but the memory of Paul’s kindness, friendship and service will continue to resonate in the communities he loved so well".

God rest you, Paul.