By Nick Rabbitts
A WELL-KNOWN Limerick builder and hotelier, who has sadly passed away, has been remembered as being “tough as nails” but with “a beautiful heart”. Paddy Hoare, who died earlier this week, was known for building houses across the city. He showed great foresight to snap up land in Monaleen and Castletroy, correctly predicting it was here where Limerick city would eventually sprawl out to. READ MORE: ‘Prioritise rail link to Shannon Airport’, Government is told He was also responsible for the Kilmurry Lodge Hotel in Castletroy – which remains in his family to this day – as well as Punch’s Hotel just outside the city centre. What is perhaps less well-known about the North Circular Road man was his generous nature. A former president of Limerick Civic Trust, it was Paddy and a consortium of businessmen who saved the Bishop’s Palace, near King John’s Castle from being demolioshed by the old Limerick Corporation. In 2018, he received a special award from the heritage organisation. Current Civic Trust chief executive David O’Brien said he never received recognition for helping save the 18th Century Palladian style building from the chop – but he probably did not look for it. “For a number of years, he and a group of businessmen supported the Civic Trust as a way of doing their own pilanthropy. They had the foresight to realise that relying on the local authority and demanding things just doesn’t work. So they used the Civic Trust as a vehicle to put resources in and use it for the betterment of Limerick,” Mr O’Brien said. “When you see what the Bishop’s Palace is like today, it is due to people like Paddy,” he added. “A great human being. Great vision, great insight. Tough as nails, but he had a beautiful heart”. Auctioneer Gordon Kearney, Rooney Auctioneers added: “Few people leave a mark on a city tyhe way Paddy Hoare did. For numerous decades, his vision helped shape not just the skyline of Limerick, but the way people live and move through it. Paddy built hotels, offices and many houses, but those who knew him best remember more than his work. They remember his quiet generosity and integrity. His projects will stand for decades, but his legacy will last even longer.” Fellow auctioneer Tom Crosse, GVM described Paddy as “an iconic figure in business circles in Limerick city”. “Paddy was a gentleman of the highest order, a tremendous businessman, hugely respected. He would have acquired land years ago in the Monaleen-Castletroy area that the city eventually went out to meet. He had great foresight,” Mr Crosse said. Fine Gael councillor and businessman Peter Doyle, who represents Castletroy on the local authority described Mr Hoare as “a very quiet man, but a gentleman”. Below: Taoiseach Charlie Haughey officially opened the Potato Market in July 1987, where he was greeted by the late Denis Leonard and Paddy Hoare, the then chairman, Limerick Civic Trust. Also present is former Limerick West TD and Defence Minister Michael J Noonan. “He built a fantastic family business and it was great credit to him. He was a top class guy,” added Cllr Doyle. Paddy died peacefully at his home on July 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He is pre-deceased by his brothers Jimmy and Fr Michael, sisters Maisie, Terry, Anne and Katy. The beloved husband of Mary, and the dearly loved father of Pat, Mai, John and Mike. He is also sadly missed by his son-in-law Mark, daughters-in-law Siobhan, Denise, B.J. (deceased), his adored grandchildren Jack, Jane, Patrick, Kate, Meg, Mikey, Hugh, Stuart, Rory, Mark, Joe, Max, his great grandchildren, Paddy, Hugh, Clara, Jonjo, Jack, Josie and Mia, his sister Angela, together with extended family and friends. He will repose in his home at Shannon Lawn in the North Circular Road this Friday evening. His requiem Mass takes place this Saturday at 12noon, and he will then be laid to rest at Old Kilmurry Cemetery in Castletroy. Paddy’s requiem Mass will be live-streamed at https://www.ourladyoftherosaryparishlimerick.ie/our-parish/web-cam/ Family flowers only please. May he rest in peace.