Mourners pay their respects for nine hours in largest funeral in living memory in village close to Limerick border

COMMUNITIES in west Tipperary, east Limerick, and much further afield were left in shock following the sudden passing of the hugely popular and highly affable businessman Peter Paul O’Dwyer, known to one and all as PP.

His reposal in Cappawhite lasted from 2.30pm and until 11.20pm. St Brigid’s Church Annacarty was also full to capacity on the following day for the funeral Mass of the  69-year-old who passed away unexpectedly at home.

It will go down as arguably the biggest ever funeral in Cappawhite and Annacarty. 

Great friend Tom Crosse said it reflects the popularity of the man who built up a successful hardware business from nothing, and the love that people had for “a truly tremendous individual”.

“PP had a great way with people - he had a great knack of being able to talk to the kings and queens as well as the ordinary Joe on the street and was equally popular with both. He was very jovial, very witty and a great character,” said the GVM auctioneer.

Mr Crosse said that if somebody walked into PP's shop that he didn’t know, he'd find out who they were before they'd come to the counter. 

“He'd know their mother or their father or some connection. He had a great way with people. He’d have a good word for everybody,” recalled Mr Crosse fondly.

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PP’s loss has left a deep sense of sadness across an area that he loved dearly and to which he gave so much throughout his life.

Born in Knockgorman, Donohill, to Mick and Josie Mai O’Dwyer, PP was the youngest son behind John, the late Tom, Mike and Séamie, and the cherished brother of Mary B. Family remained central to PP throughout his life, shaping the values of loyalty, generosity and hard work for which he became so well known.

Educated in Donohill NS and the Abbey CBS, PP began his working life in Donohill creamery and then Tipperary Co-op before embarking on what would become a defining journey into business. At just 19, he took the bold step of establishing PP O’Dwyer Hardware in Dundrum - a daunting task at the time, but one that would leave a lasting legacy in the village.

Starting from a small premises on Main Street, PP made full use of every available space. He recognised Dundrum as a place of opportunity, surrounded by rich agricultural land with ambitious farmers and driven by an industrious community of fellow entrepreneurs. With the support of family, friends and loyal customers, he built a business that became a cornerstone of the area.

Through the financial challenges of the 1980s - which PP never forgot, often recalling the notoriously poor summer of 1980 - and once again showing the same resilient spirit during the downturn following the Celtic Tiger,. 

He loved his work, and even more so the people he met through it. His distinctive name became a local brand, and his shop was often described - in PP’s own words - not as a place of work, but “a place of pleasure”.

In 1995, PP moved the business to its current and much larger premises in Dundrum, continuing to serve customers from all corners with their hardware, agri and construction supplies needs with his customary warmth, humour and fairness.  

Mr Crosse said the business’ success was driven mainly by PP’s popularity and his ability to deliver a good product at good value. 

“He knew his customers and he treated everybody well. If people wanted a bit of credit and he knew you were sound there was no problem. He was a very  honourable man,” said Mr Crosse, who added that PP was a great man to write a cheque to support clubs, fundraisers and give back to the community.

Away from the store, PP played the guitar and was a good singer.

“Above all he was a very decent, affable, and likeable man,” said Mr Crosse.

In recent years, PP took immense pride in seeing his sons involved in the business, and particularly in Peter and Arnold taking up the mantle and carrying the family name forward.

PP’s love of place extended far beyond business. He held deep affection for Donohill, Annacarty, Dundrum, west Tipperary and east Limerick, and was immensely proud of the land and the people. He often repeated a remark from a fellow businessman who had moved away: “I didn’t miss the business in Dundrum - I missed the people.” That sentiment captured PP’s own outlook perfectly.

A lifelong supporter of Éire Óg GAA, PP was a talented player in his youth with the Abbey and as part of the Éire Óg-Clonoulty  team that reached a county U21 A final. While business commitments limited his playing career, he returned in his thirties and was a valued panel member of the 1986 West Tipperary Final-winning team. 

He remained a devoted supporter throughout his life, rarely missing a match and taking enormous pride in being the club’s sponsor for their recent successes but most of all seeing his sons Donal, Peter and Arnold wearing the blue and white.

Above all else, PP was a people person. He valued friendship deeply and was known far and wide for his presence at removals and funerals - a mark of respect he paid faithfully throughout his life. It was fitting, and deeply moving, that this loyalty was so generously reciprocated following his sudden passing, with overwhelming support shown to the family.

PP met his wife Nora through horse racing circles and they married in Bartlemy Church, County Cork in 1992. Together they created a home filled with activity, sport, music, conversation and hospitality. PP took enormous pride in his family, in watching his sons grow into men, and later in spending treasured time with his grandchildren Ellie Mai and the newest arrival, Hazel.

His sudden death has left an irreplaceable void, particularly for his wife, sons, grandchildren, siblings and extended family. It has also left a deep sadness among the many friends, customers and neighbours whose lives he touched through kindness, humour and genuine interest in others.

PP will be remembered as a man of enterprise, community spirit and friendship — someone who belonged wholeheartedly to his place and its people. 

His legacy lives on in his family, his business, and the countless memories shared by those fortunate enough to have known him.

May he rest in peace.