Philip (Phil) Smith

My condolences to Phil's family. I met Phil many years ago sailing in West Cork, and it was always a joy to meet him on and off the water. I subsequently found out (when I was a young rugby referree in Munster) that he was a rugby referee with the Leinster Branch- and very proudly active to a senior age! He told me, with some regret (and a bit of glee) that they had to bring in a retirement age because of him. We then would meet regularly in Lansdowne road, as his seats were very close to where I sometimes sit. I always enjoyed going over and having a quick chat, although the last one was filled with less of the bright positivity than usual. I was looking forward to seeing him at the november game against Fiji, and was disappointed when I didn't see him. I could hardly imagine that he was gone. It seems apt to say, that he was gone but not forgotten. And I have no doubt, as can be read here too, that even people like myself - who only knew him peripherally, were always buoyed up by his presence, and will not likely forget him in a hurry. I shall remember him fondly going forward, and I will particularly miss him in the seats in the west lower. I hope wherever he is now, that he has fair winds, and the ball or the whistle in his hand.

best grandad ever

Phill and Deirdre, and family, although I was never lucky enough to meet you personally, I have been blessed to know and feel your love through your daughter Aisling. She has been a light in my life for many years, just as you both were for others. I am beyond grateful to know her, and I forever will thank Phill and Deirdre tremendously for that.

The love I felt reading through the words of those who know your dad was overwhelming. He touched so many lives not only through the sailing and rugby camaraderie but it sounded like he was a respectable dad/granddad to all he knew. An honorable man your dad was, and will live on to be in the hearts and memories of each of these people who were blessed to know him. He passed love throughout multiple generations within his community which is extremely beautiful to me.
I wish I could have met him, known a parent this pure. And through reading these I actually got to do that a bit, know him, feel the love he put into his life through his passions and through everyone he knew. So thank you for sharing with me ❤️
Phill and Deirdre will be in my heart always.
Inspiring to me, I want to leave this world a better place, just like your dad did.

Also immensely grateful for everyone who left messages on this platform for the family. As someone who has lost a parent myself, these messages for the family are PRICELESS. Love and gratitude to you all.

Sorry to hear about the passing of Phil worked and new himself from 1970 in Savage Smyth may he rest in peace

Aisling, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I know how much your father meant to you, and words can’t fully express the sadness I feel for you right now. Your father’s love will always be with you, and I’m holding you in my thoughts and prayers.

Our sincere sympathy to The Smith Family on the loss of your beloved Dad Philip. All four of us were married in the same year, so we have known your parents a long time. Ballet and sailing were our common ground. Ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh anam Philip.

Sincere sympathies to the Smith family on the passing of their beloved Dad Phil. Only met you recently Niall when you told me about your Mum . Such a great couple and so hard to lose them both in a short space of time .
Phil was synonymous with Savage Smyth and often I was asked was he my father ! My late father Fergus had great regard for him and they were work colleagues that built something very special over the years. May he rest in peace .

Tara, so sorry to hear of the recent passing of your dad. He is at peace now with your mum in heaven. Enjoy the happy memories. Hildi , Jimmy and family

Aisling, what a shock for your family! I’m so sorry to hear this. I always know someone has had a life well lived when I read the condolence messages and it makes me feel sad that I didn’t get to meet the person. I’m sure that his light and kindness lives on through the four of you. Please take care of yourself.

Only heard the sad news today. Great memories of Phil in Salmo or on his beloved boat. Condolences to all his children.

Very sorry to hear of Phil's death. It was a great pleasure to have known him since the early 1980s in Palmerston FC and DLSP, and to meet him so often since that time through sailing in Dun Laoghaire. Always so warm and friendly, a true and kind gentleman. May he rest in peace, and may you be consoled in your grief.

Deepest sympathy to the smyth family..
I knew Philip and Deirdre lovely couple
May they rest in peace.
From,
Francis Herron( oughterard co Galway) and family former neighbour in Cluny grove no 31..

So many lovely memories over the past week since I heard that Phil had left us. I was privileged to sail with him and Deirdre on both Jasmin II and through the exciting transition to Just Jasmin; to have been by his side in Twickenham in 2006 when Shane Horgan scored that great try; and to have had so many conversations with him - from the sublime to the ridiculous! Phil’s funeral on Monday was a wonderful celebration of his life – the stories and the love were heartfelt. I wish happy memories to all his family, and my deepest sympathy on the loss of a remarkably kind and lovely gentleman. RIP Phil.

On behalf of the President, the Executive, the complete membership and all Philip's friends in Leinster Rugby Referees, we extend our deepest condolences to the whole Smith family on the passing of Philip.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.

Ar dhéis Dé go raibh a anam

Niall, so sorry to hear about Phil's passing. He was a great man, and I always enjoyed being in his company. I'm sorry I cannot express my condolences in person as I am out of the country with work for another week. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family. May he rest in peace.

We were very sorry to hear of Phil’s death. Great memories of sailing with Phil & Deirdre and of rugby with Phil & Ethan.
Mary & Declan

Aisling, Niall, Tara and Darren and in particular Ethan, my deepest condolences on the passing of our dear friend Phil. RIP. We thank Phil and Deirdre for entrusting us with Just Jasmin. For creating a wonderful crew over many years, allowing us great fun racing and treasured memories both on and off the water. Fair winds and following seas. You are much loved and will be truly missed. Valda

Very sorry to hear this. An absolute Gent

SB

Rest in peace Philip 🙏

Darren and family, my condolences on the passing of your Dad Phil. May he rest in eternal peace. Brian, Arnold Grove

My sincere condolences on Phil’s passing, such a wonderful person and I have fond memories of time shared in his company at the club. RIP Phil.

Couldn't be there to say goodbye to your dad. But in some ways glad that I wasn't. He's a hard man to say goodbye to. Not because of the 5 minute Phil, (watched online) but because I just loved his warmth and energy even if only for 1 minute. Always left his company feeling happier, and generally I'm a smiley girl. That says it all.

I like to think he took my comments on taste tests very seriously. I for one was very serious about tasting them all! He always had an open ear and a smiling face as we explained the likes, dislikes and basically why we needed a bit more just to check!

Your dad got me a placement for 2 weeks in an advertising agency back when I was a teenager and had to do 2 weeks somewhere. Hated advertising but was a great 2 weeks. And as he said afterwards, you whittle out the that's me and the oh God no.

His readiness to laugh, his heart for life, his contant interest in the the small, like me, and the big like you, will forever mean I will love Phil.

You guys have had a horrible year. I can't even imagine how it must feel. You have had to say goodbye to two fabulous people in such a short time. It will take time. Already an orphan for a while, I know it will kick you in the butt every now and again even after time. That's OK. How lucky are we to have had the fun of Cluny Grove, the safety of the cul de sac, the care of good neighbours and the love of great parents.

Elaine 28

Our sincerest condolences to all the family. Philip was a gentleman, a much loved friend and neighbour who always had a welcoming smile. He and Deidre will be greatly missed in the Grove.

So sad to hear of Phil's passing. A true gentleman & have fond memories of sailing/socialising with Phil both in Dun Laoghaire & further afield.
He did so much to promote sailing in Dun Laoghaire & his loss will be immeasurable.
Due to work commitments, I was unable to attend the funeral. My sincere condolences to all the Smith family. Eight Bells Phil & Rest in Peace.

Sad to hear of Philip's passing. Always enjoyed his company from our refereeing days together. A gentleman.

Aisling, Niall, Tara, Darren and families. My deepest condolences to you all on the very sad loss of your wonderful Dad and so soon after the lovely Deirdre. I can only echo the sentiments of my sister Trina in an earlier message that your Dad was always such a great neighbour and friend to us all through some tough times and brought good humour and laughter to some dark days His kindness will never be forgotten by the Mahon family Cluny Grove. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dhílis. God speed Philip

It was my pleasure to know Phil during my time as manager of the RIYC , one of the lovliest men, I have ever known, a community man, a family man. I am so sorry to hear of his passing, my sincere condolences to his family, be proud ,be grateful, try to be happy

Deepest sympathy to all the Family following the passing of Phil.
A true gentleman whose company I enjoyed during our Leinster refereeing days and in recent years.
May memories of happy times past comfort you all in the days and months ahead

We are all so sorry to hear of Philip’s passing , again I will say how hospitable and friendly he was to all our family , we remember many happy funny times with Phil and Deirdre - including them staying with us in Australia for Jenny and Niall’s wedding . Rest in peace Phil
Thinking of you all , Quillinan and O’Brien families Australia

To Aisling and Family - my deepest sympathy on the passing of your Dad and Mum.

My deepest sympathies to all of the Smith family on the very sad loss of Phil - one of life’s true gents and a person who certainly lived his life to the full.

Having first met Phil & Deirdre back in 2005 in sailing and then supporting him as chairman of the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta in 2009, Phil was a force of all that was good and a lot of fun - everything was possible in the world of Phil. He was also a treasured member of our ‘Christmas Club’ and will be sorely missed.

Rest peacefully dearest Phil.

Dear Tara, Ethan, Aisling, Niall and Darren and all the Smiths. Heartbroken for you on the loss of your amazing Dad, grandad and father in law. Phil was one of a kind. I will forever treasure very fond memories of great times with him and Deirdre and so grateful for their hospitality and friendship. I hope it’s some kind of comfort to know he lived a full and happy life and was loved by so many. Feels like yesterday I only bumped into him as he was popping into the barbers.

Wishing you all strength and courage at this very sad time. He is so proud of you all. With much love, Susanne

Sincere condolences to all the Smith family on the sad passing of Phil. I have so many wonderful memories of sailing with him and the gorgeous Deirdre on Just Jasmin for many years in Dun Laoghaire and also quite a few trips to Schull! His sense of fun was infectious and he made everyone feel so welcome, so sorry for your loss.

Sincere condolences to the Smith family on the sad passing of Phil (RIP).
He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Darren and family - so very sorry for your loss so soon after the passing of your beloved Mum.

Deepest condolences to all of Phil’s family. He was such a gentlemen and had a great sense of fun. I got to know his while sailing in Dun Laoghaire. May he rest in peace.

Phil was a gentleman and we will miss his presence in Schull during Calves Week. Commiserations to his family and crew on their loss.

Sincerest condolences to you Darren on the sad loss your Dad and to your siblings and Rachel and the extended Smith family. May he Rest in Peace.

Deepest condolences to the Smith family on the loss of one
True gentleman enjoyed his company at many ruby matches may his gentle soul rest in peace 💐💐💐

Very fond memories of Phil's visits to Schull.What a wonderful gentleman.Deepest sympathies to the extended Smith families.May Phil rest in peace.

Sincere sympathy to the extended Smith family. Dreadfully hard for you all with Phil passing so soon after Deirdre's death
Wonderful man as so many have commented, great company and master of ''long story short''!! A huge loss to his family and his many many friends.

A true gentleman ,sailor and friend ,will miss you Phil in the Riyc And of course Fitzs for the Rubgy. RIP and watch lenister.

A true gent.

RIP

Our deepest sympathy to Aisling,Niall,Tara and Darren and all the family
on the sad death of Philip. It is very hard on everyone so soon after losing
dear Deirdre . Philip was great company and we really enjoyed our many trips to the Ballet with both of them.
May he rest in peace.

Sincere sympathy to the extended Smith family on the passing of Phil. I knew Phil through his rugby associations with Palmerston FC and DLSP FC, through his active participation with the Association of Referees Leinster Branch, and through his passion for sailing!
He was a wonderful character, who loved a chat and always had time for everybody! I am sure that you will miss him greatly!
May he Rest in Peace.

Philip was a lovely modest person. He was great company. I especially enjoyed his views on rugby. May he rest in peace.

Deepest sympathy to the extended Smith family on the sad passing of Phil. He was a great supporter of sailing events in West Cork and will be sadly missed .

My deepest sympathies Darren and family, I am so sorry for this awful loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, may God comfort you all.

Deepest sympathy to Phil's Family, such a sad loss. I have happy memories of Phil from His rugby days and later as a dedicated Rugby Ref. who would travel miles to ensure a game took place. I also remember his great support for the Licensed Trade from my days in the Licensed Trade Dept. in the College of Marketing. He was such a happy, positive, entertaining person. A gentleman who will be sadly missed. Rest in peace Phil

Tara and Ethan so sorry to hear about Phil....he was such a lovely man....so much energy, enthusiasm and love for life.
My thoughts are with you both at this very difficult time.
Rest in peace Phil.

Our sincere sympathy to Aisling, Niall, Tara and Darren on the passing of your dear Dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam uasal.

Niall, Tara, Aishling, Darren and family.
I'm so so sorry to hear of the death of Phil..What a terrible loss for you all.
Phils energy and enthusiasm for life is legend. I will miss him as many others will too but will remember all the fun times we had sailing on Jasmin in the 80's & 90's. There was always a great story about his many misadventures that only he could tell about himself and have a good laugh. He will be sorely missed by all in the sailing community and for his huge contribution to the inaugural Volvo Regatta.
May he rest in peace with his beloved Deirdre.
With Sincere Sympathy
Sheelagh

So sorry to hear of Philip's passing. I first met Phil many years ago in the soft drinks industry and latterly in Finnegans. Great company and a true gentleman. RIP

A gentleman and may he rest peace.

My sympathies to the Smith family on Phil’s passing. He was good to work with in Finches and was instrumental in making the brand so popular. RIP Phil

Sincere condolences to all Phil’s family on his sad passing . Have known him for many years through
meeting in the harbour . He was a
great character and will be sadly
missed by all who knew him .

My sincere condolences Darren & all the family on the very sad news of your Dad passing. RIP. I'm so very sorry to hear this so soon after your beautiful mum passing not so long ago. Thinking of you all. Ev

My sincere sympathies to the Smith family on Phil's passing.
A true Gentleman!!

Phil was the quintessential gentleman.
He will be remembered fondly for his innate friendliness, his infectious smile, his great generosity and his immense love of competitive sports, particularly that of Rugby Football and Sailing. He will be sorely missed and especially on the Dun Laoghaire waterfront.
With sincere sympathies to Phil’s heartbroken family on their sad and untimely loss. May he rest in eternal peace with fair winds and following seas.

Tara, words cannot express my sympathy to you as you are facing such a loss so soon after your dear Mum. Thinking of you 💔
Diane