Smyth, Paddy
May 23, 2006
The late Paddy Smyth
The town of Claremorris was gripped by sadness and regret following the death of one of the area's most successful and well-known businessmen.
Paddy Smyth, of the Smyth's Toys Empire, passed away at his residence on Main Street, on Saturday morning, May 13, 2006.
The 87-year-old Brickens native was hugely respected across the region and many believe that it was he who really put Claremorris on the map, establishing a business in the town that is now rated among the most successful in the country.
Together with his sister Babs and his wife Bridie, Paddy ran a grocery, paper shop and licensed premises on the Main Street, Claremorris since 1935. In 1986, Paddy and Bridie decided on a massive expansion for their business and although they had always carried a small line of toys in their store, they realised the potential for development. Paddy's entrepreneurial nature was certainly at an all-time high during these years because it was here that the Smyth's Toys entersprise was born.
In addition to his tremendous mind for business, Paddy played a crucial role in the development of Claremorris and was to the fore in both the birth and growth of the town's clubs and organisations. In the late 40s and early 50s, it was Paddy Smyth who carried the GAA Club on his back for almost 12 years and his passion for both sport and development in Claremorris certainly didn't end here.
Paddy was one of the founding members of the Chamber of Commerce in Claremorris and was a central member of the Claremorris Development Committee. Additionally, Paddy held the position of Secretary of the Race Course Trustees for many years and was a fundamental member of the committee for the development of the Town Hall, as well as the Swimming Pool. Paddy was also Secretary of the Agricultural Show for a lengthy period, having revived the Show at a time when it was slipping away.
Paddy's fervour for the community in Claremorris endeared him to many and even when his business began to thrive to a huge degree, success never went to his head. Although his sons had come on board when they were in their late teens, Paddy continued to play an essential role in the running of the business and until two years ago, he was involved in the day-to-day running of Smyth's. From humble beginnings, Smyth's Toys blossomed considerably, with the family now owning 18 stores in the Republic of Ireland and five in the North.
In his free time, Paddy loved to follow the horses and made good use of his close proximity to the Ballinrobe Races, as well as being a regular at local meetings in Roscommon and Sligo.
Business and community aside, Paddy was a great family man and was adored by his wife and children. He was kind and caring and always had a word for everyone he'd meet. A true gentleman, Paddy Smyth will long be remembered in Claremorris and beyond.
Paddy is mourned by his wife Bridie, sons Anthony, Patrick, Liam, Thomas and Joseph, daughter Maura, brother Tony, sister-in-law, son-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, family and friends. May he rest in peace.
Courtesy of Western People
23 May 2006
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