Huge shock at sudden death of Paul
The sudden death of popular New Ross CBS teacher Paul Fitzpatrick at his home last week aged 52 had led to widespread shock and sadness in the town and in the school where he taught for more than 25 years.
Late of Ferrybank, Waterford, Paul died unexpectedly at his Newtown Commons home on Tuesday.
He is survived by his wide Carmel; daughters Ellen and Jane; parents Seamus and Eileen; brother Barry; sisters Jennifer and Linda; parents-in-law Michael and Janet Bryne; sisters-in-law Julie (Pigott) and Eimear (Fitzpatrick); brothersin-law; Colm (Buckley) and John (Byrne); aunts; uncles; extended family and friends.
Paul attended Ferrybank Boys NS and Waterpark secondary school before going on to study Arts at Trinity. He got his hDip in teaching and went on to teach History, English and Economics.
An avid reader from childhood, Paul was always interested in literature and economics. He went straight into teaching and settled into a teaching job at New Ross CBS under his former principal Billy O’Shea.
A devoted History and English teacher, Paul was also very involved in the local drama society.
He passed his love of poetry, particulalry Irish poets and Shakespeare on to his students who he always gave encouragement to in their studies.
Teaching was never just a day job to Paul who always tried to bring out the best in his students. He kept an extensive library and would often lend books to his classes. He taught students drama and how to comepte in debates.
Paul married Carmel 24 years ago and was overjoyed when they welcomed their daughters Ellen and Jane into the world.
He could often be seen towing the horsebox containing their beloved horses to horse riding events and the family of four were very active in horse riding circles and at equestrian events over the years.
Paul was a many of many talents including woodwork and carpentry. He enjoyed learning new skills and was always adding to his tool collection.
In recent years he started building garden furniture and could often be found tending to his and Carmel’s garden.
Paul will be remembered as a gentle, quiet, kind man who minded his own business and was always there for his students and colleagues.
He served on the school board of management – a formum in which this articulate, intelligent man’s abilities shone. He was very clsoe with staff at New Ross CBS, particularly Jim Kavanagh and his brother Barry.
Paul lived life to the full and enjoyed holidays, but mainly the company of his family and colleagues.
A massive crowd attended his funeral Mass at St Mary & St Michael’s Parish church in New Ross on Friday, where his former students stood as guards of honour. New Ross CBS was closed to enable the students to attend. Afterwards Paul was taken for cremation to The Island Crematorium in Ringaskiddy, County Cork.
May he rest in peace.