The Minister for the OPW has led tributes to Paul Smithwick, who has died at the age of 76.
Paul was the ninth generation of the famed South East brewing family and had more recently helped to establish Sullivan's Brewing company.
Smithwicks was brewed in Kilkenny for 300 years when it eventually shut down in 2014.
Paul is being remembered as a lifelong advocate for the city and county and he was pivotal in bringing Prince Charles to Kilkenny in 2017.
He had been awarded an OBE just the year before for his work to strengthen Irish and British relations.
More recently, in 2021, when the decision was taken to close the Diageo-owned 'Smithwick's Experience', Paul was among the first to step in and work towards a reversal of that decision.
It would seem his intervention was a successful one as it was subsequently announced that the tourist attraction would once again open this year (2022).
In a statement this evening, OPW Minister, Patrick O'Donovan paid tribute to the brewer, solicitor, and philanthropist:
"It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of Paul Smithwick today. Paul, ninth generation of the Smithwick brewing family, was a passionate advocate when it came to his native city and county of Kilkenny.
Paul once said that nothing gave him greater pleasure than to welcome people from all walks of life to his native city and Kilkenny Castle. He worked tirelessly to advance the good fortune of Kilkenny and played an instrumental role in bringing about the royal visit to the town in 2017. A hereditary Freeman of Kilkenny, Paul was awarded an OBE in 2016 for his services to British-Irish relations.
He was a true friend to Ireland’s heritage and frequently supported events at various historic properties, particularly at Kilkenny Castle where he attended the 50th anniversary celebrations in 2019 that marked the official handover of the Castle to the OPW. He is fondly remembered there as well as in Farmleigh, where he visited regularly. Paul’s final heritage battle right up to last week saw him join with his friend Lord Iveagh to save the Iveagh Markets.
Paul Smithwick will be missed, a charismatic, courteous and mannerly man with a wonderful ability to connect with people, a great affinity for Irish heritage and a love of music.
As Minister with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to Paul’s family."
