Castleknock College Union

Paul Kirwan, class '63

In Memoriam

May 24, 2017
Paul Kirwan, class '63 - KnockUnion.ie

1962-63 Cricket XI Captain, Paul Kirwan

The Union was saddened to hear of the passing of Paul Kirwan, class '63.

The death has occurred of Paul KIRWAN
Dun Laoghaire, Dublin / Clontarf, Dublin

Kirwan Paul (Dun Laoghaire, formerly of Glenageary and Clontarf) May 24 2017, peacefully at home. Loving father of Saffron and Sonya and dearest grandfather to Ruby, Chessie, Leia, Sebastian and Abigail. Paul will be sadly missed by his family, his brother Gerry, sons-in-law Paul and Graham, nieces, nephews, relatives and very good friends. Predeceased by his dear brothers Hugh and Norman.

Reposing at the Kirwan Funeral Home, Fairview Strand on Sunday (28th May) from 4pm to 5pm. Removal to St. Anthony’s Church, Clontarf on Monday (29th, May) arriving at 9.50am for 10am Funeral Mass followed by burial in Balgriffin Cemetery. Family flowers only please, donations if desired to the Irish Cancer Society (www.cancer.ie)

Date Published: Thursday 25th May 2017        Date of Death: Wednesday 24th May 2017


Paul was the second youngest of four brothers, ahead of Norman, class '66 and behind Gerard, class '60 and Hugh, class '59. He was predeceased by Hugh who died 3 December 2004 in Dublin, and Norman who died 7 December 2012 in Melbourne.

Paul was a speed merchant.

It was first sighted during the 1960-61 athletics season when he tore up the track. He was appointed co-captain of the athletics club the following year and then in 1962-63 he won bronze medals at the Leinster Championships for both the 100 yard and 220 yard sprints. That speed then found him on the wing for the 1961-62 SCT and again for the 1962-63 season when he captained the team.

But there was more than speed to Paul's game, and no where was this more evident than in cricket which was perhaps the sport he excelled in most. He played on the College XI for four of his five years at Knock and of course captained them in his final season. The chronicle cricket notes in their understated way report:

Paul Kirwan was probably the best cricketer of the eleven, being proficient with both bat and ball. His bowling was always extremely accurate and his batting most correct.

Paul since he left us, remained a most loyal pastman, and it was only last March when we were graced with his great company at the annual business lunch. The same Paul was just as comfortable attending our annual retreat where his regular attendance will now be sorely missed.

It was a life well lived but a loss is suffered, and so we extend our heartfelt condolences to his surviving brother Gerry, daughters Saffron and Sonya, and to their extended family.

Requiescat in Pace.