Dr. P.J Smyth

I was 3 years ahead of PJ at CBC Monkstown - the Class of '62.

For such a gentle person I was always amazed by his total focus on his personal, dedicated training programme.

In those early school days though he lived close to the college, he trained 365 days of the year. He was, even at that young age leading by example.

I was very sad to hear of his death. He was still very young.

May he now rest in peace with his eternal reward.

Very saddened to hear of PJ'S passing. In the early days of Thomond PJ stood out as a gentle and very dedicated man. He was always so approachable and encouraging. Rest in Peace

PJ was a true scholar and will be fondly remembered for his inspiring lectures at UL and in the USA. During his sabbatical at Springfield in Massachusetts, he came to visit myself and my wife in Philadelphia. An avid fan of opera, he brought us to the Mario Lanza Museum in South Philly. He really enjoyed the antiquity and history of our campus here at Penn and he was truly at home in the University arena. I remember grabbing an "Americano" with him in the bookstore, and then walking him over to the bus for Boston with Epstein's book "The Sports Gene" under one arm and a batch of newspapers under the other for his 4 hour journey. He would keep up with many of his former students and it was always great to meet him in the Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre as well as in town. His knowledge on any given topic was truly impressive and his ability to distill it into simple points was a rare talent. Like Gladwell he could give the backdrop to many principles, with a flair for sports analogies- the 10,000 hour rule of deliberate practice, "perfect practice makes perfect". I still have a copy of Orlick's "In Pursuit of Excellence" one of his-go-to books from class in my bookcase. What Shankly was to Liverpool, PJ was to Thomond and later UL. Condolences from all the O'Connor family. RIP

I loved this guy at my school in CBC Monkstown. I celebrate his passing and his life too. In many ways he enriched all around him.
One day, I was in a store store in Monkstown when PJ came in and asked for a packet of cigarettes. When he saw us kids he went red in the face. He tried to explain to the Shopkeeper that they were not for him ~ that he was only getting them for another teacher. Which everyone knew was the truth but it was his way and, bless him for that way. It was his strength. P J was real, wonderfully sincere and that is to be celebrated.

Farewell big brother.
Thought you would make another trip to see your nephews and Maggie again but not to be.
Rest in peace.
Brian
Perth WA

Extremely fond memories of PJ with all of our cousins growing up in Monkstown.
So proud of all you achieved PJ. You were a true Gentleman.
Sincerest Condolences to Frank, Brendan, Brian and families.
Rest in Peace PJ

PJ was part of two wonderful rugby teams in UCD in the 1960s. His loyalty, dedication and kindness I, as captain, will never forget. Around 20 of those who played with PJ meet now every Christmas for lunch, and he in fact was at the last one in December. An unassuming, perfect gentleman, who only very reluctantly mentioned his illness. I cannot unfortunately make the funeral but his family should know how very much liked and admired was PJ by the members of those rugby teams of the 1960s. We will mark his very sad passing when we all meet again in December.

Condolences to PJs family may he rest in peace.

We send our condolences to PJ.s family may he rest in peace.

P.J. was a member of the Class of '65 at CBC Monkstown Park ... I remember him as a very driven person, an enthusiastic rugby player - to be avoided on the pitch - but a gentle man off it. At several recent class reunions, to all of which he travelled up from Limerick, I found him to be a delightful, kind person with a quirky sense of humour ... Rest in peace P.J.

An inspiration to anyone who had the honour of knowing him. A true and modest gentleman with such a helpful nature. He will always be remembered for his expertise and selfless attitude. Thankyou PJ for all you gave throughout your life. You will be so sadly missed.

Sincere condolences to PJ's family and friends. He was an amazing teacher in Thomomd, but an even more amazing man.

PJ was a fantastic lecturer, full of fun and kindness and adored by all his students. He will be sadly missed. RIP

PJ was an inspirational lecturer and a ray of happiness and light. He always had time for all of his students. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. May he rest in peace

I send my condolences to PJ's family and friends in Limerick. I had the privilege and pleasure of serving with him in the foundation committee of the Irish Fulbright Alumni Association back in the early 1990s and he was always a great colleague to be associated with. May he rest in peace as i have no doubt he will.