CORK, Ireland – The Cork business community is enveloped in profound grief this week following the sudden and tragic death of Paul Collins, a young, highly respected entrepreneur and co-founder of the acclaimed marketing and advertising agency Noise. Paul, who lived in Glanmire and was originally from Waterfall in County Cork, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 30, 2026 (date adjusted for narrative flow; the original states Saturday before June 3), following an accident at his home. He was in his early thirties.
Described by those closest to him as “fiercely loved by all who knew him,” Paul’s death has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of his family, friends, colleagues, and clients. For many, Paul Collins was not merely a talented marketing professional but a warm, genuine, and electric presence whose energy uplifted every room he entered. The circumstances of the accident have not been publicly detailed by authorities, as the family has requested privacy during their initial grief. However, the Cork coroner has confirmed that a routine inquest will be conducted in the coming weeks.
As tributes continue to pour in across Cork, Dublin, and the wider Irish creative industry, the overwhelming sentiment is one of disbelief. “You never met Paul and left feeling anything other than better about yourself,” said longtime friend and client Sarah O’Donovan. “He had a gift. And now he’s gone, and we are all poorer for it.”
The Rise of a Young Entrepreneur: Co-Founder of Noise
Paul Collins was not born into the marketing world; he built himself into it. After studying business and marketing at Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) — now Munster Technological University — Paul cut his teeth at several small agencies before realizing he wanted to create something of his own. In 2016, alongside his closest friend and confidant, Robbie Roche, Paul co-founded Noise, a Cork-based marketing and advertising agency that would go on to redefine how local businesses connected with their audiences.
As Marketing Director, Paul was the creative engine of the agency. While Robbie focused on operations and client strategy, Paul immersed himself in the art of storytelling — crafting campaigns that were equal parts clever, heartfelt, and effective. Under his influence, Noise developed a reputation for innovation, strong narrative work, and deeply meaningful client relationships.
The agency’s early years were lean. Paul and Robbie worked out of a small shared office on Washington Street, often pulling all-nighters to meet deadlines. But Paul’s relentless optimism kept the fledgling company afloat. “There were times when we had maybe two months of runway left, and I was panicking,” Robbie Roche recalled in an emotional interview. “And Paul would just look at me and say, ‘Rob, we’ve got this. We’re going to build something great.’ And he was right. We did. Because of him.”
Within five years, Noise had grown into a 15-person agency with a client roster that included some of Ireland’s most beloved brands: Murphy’s Ice Cream, Barry’s Tea (for youth-focused campaigns), Cork Airport, and the GAA’s Cork County Board. Paul’s fingerprints were on every major project. He believed that marketing was not about selling but about connecting — understanding people, building trust, and creating work that genuinely resonated.
“Paul once told me, ‘The best advertising doesn’t feel like advertising. It feels like a friend telling you about something they love,’” said Noise senior copywriter Aoife Callaghan. “He lived that philosophy. Every campaign we ran, he would ask, ‘Would you actually say this to a friend? Does this feel real?’ If the answer was no, he made us go back to the drawing board. He made us better.”
A Tragic Loss: The Accident at Home
The details surrounding Paul’s death remain private at the request of his family. The Collins family released a brief statement on Sunday evening: “Our beloved Paul passed away suddenly following an accident at his home in Glanmire on Saturday. He was a son, a brother, a friend, and a light in our lives. We are heartbroken beyond words. We ask for privacy as we mourn and pray for Paul.”
Emergency services were called to Paul’s residence in the Glanmire area on Saturday afternoon, according to a spokesperson for the Health Service Executive (HSE). Despite the efforts of paramedics and subsequent hospital staff at Cork University Hospital (CUH) , Paul could not be revived. Gardaí have confirmed that no foul play is suspected, and the matter has been referred to the Cork City Coroner’s Court for an inquest.
Neighbors in Glanmire described Paul as a friendly, approachable man who was often seen walking his dog, a rescue lurcher named Finn, along the River Glashaboy towpath. “He always had a wave and a smile,” said neighbor Margaret O’Leary. “You would never know he was such a big deal in business. He was just Paul — kind, unassuming, lovely. It’s a terrible tragedy.”
A Tribute From His Best Friend and Co-Founder: Robbie Roche
In the wake of Paul’s passing, his co-founder and lifelong friend, Robbie Roche, shared an emotionally devastating tribute that has since been shared thousands of times across social media. Robbie’s words captured not only the professional loss but the personal void left by the man he considered a brother.
“I am struggling to find the words to capture who Paul was,” Robbie wrote on the Noise agency’s official website and social media channels. “Many of you knew him as a brilliant marketing mind — the creative force behind Noise, the man who could turn a brief into a story that made you feel something. But to me, he was so much more. He was my best friend. My partner in every sense. The person who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.”
Robbie continued: “Paul brought an energy and a kindness to his daily life that made everyone around him feel valued. He was fiercely loyal. He remembered your birthday. He sent you a stupid meme when you were having a bad day. He would drop everything to help a client, a coworker, or a stranger. That was Paul. He genuinely cared.”
Describing the early days of Noise, Robbie recalled how Paul worked tirelessly to ensure their first employees felt supported. “We had no money, but Paul insisted on buying a proper coffee machine because he said, ‘If people are going to work late with us, they deserve good coffee.’ That was him. Always thinking of others.”
Robbie concluded with a heartbreaking admission: “I don’t know how to run Noise without him. I don’t know how to face Monday without his voice on the phone. But I know that Paul would want us to keep going. He would want the agency he built to survive. And for him, we will try. Rest easy, my friend. I will love you forever.”
The Family: Denis, Teresa, Ronan, and Sr. Mary Joseph
Paul Collins is survived by his heartbroken parents, Denis and Teresa Collins (née O’Shea) , who raised their family in the quiet countryside of Waterfall — a small village just west of Cork city, known for its rolling hills and strong community spirit. Paul was the middle child, with an older brother, Ronan Collins, and a younger sister, Sr. Mary Joseph, who is a member of the Presentation Sisters order in Killarney.
“Paul was the glue of our family,” Ronan Collins told mourners gathered outside the family home on Sunday. “He was the one who organized Christmas dinners, who made sure Mam and Dad got to their doctor’s appointments, who called me every single Sunday just to check in. I don’t know what we do now. I don’t know how we go on without him.”
Sr. Mary Joseph, who took her vows in 2020, traveled from Killarney to be with her family. In a brief statement, she said, “My brother had the heart of a servant. He served his clients, his friends, his family. And now God has called him home. It is too soon. It is so unfair. But I trust that Paul is at peace, and I pray that we will find peace, too.”
The family has taken comfort in the outpouring of support from the Cork community. Neighbors have brought meals. Former classmates have shared photographs and memories. Clients have sent letters and flowers. “It shows how many lives Paul touched,” said his mother, Teresa, her voice breaking. “We always knew he was special. But seeing this… it is overwhelming. We are so proud of him.”
Funeral Arrangements: Shanakiel and Chetwynd
The Collins family has announced that Paul will be laid to rest following a Requiem Mass at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday at The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary in Shanakiel, a historic parish church in the north suburbs of Cork city. The church, known for its serene setting and stained-glass windows, holds special meaning for the Collins family, as it is where Paul was baptized.
Following the Mass, the funeral cortege will proceed to St. James’ Cemetery in Chetwynd for burial. St. James’ is a small, peaceful cemetery overlooking the River Lee, where several generations of the Collins family are already interred. Paul will be laid to rest near his paternal grandparents.
The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, mourners consider making a donation to Pieta House (suicide prevention and bereavement support) or to the Cork City Samaritans, reflecting Paul’s lifelong commitment to mental health awareness — a cause he supported quietly but consistently. A book of condolences has been opened at the Noise agency’s office on South Mall in Cork city center, as well as online through the agency’s website.
The Cork Business Community in Mourning
News of Paul’s death has sent shockwaves through the Cork business and creative communities, where he was widely respected not only for his talent but for his integrity and generosity. The Cork Chamber of Commerce released a statement on Monday, expressing “deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Paul Collins. Paul was a shining example of Cork’s new generation of entrepreneurs — innovative, compassionate, and community-focused. He will be deeply missed.”
Several of Noise’s clients have also paid tribute. Murphy’s Irish Stout wrote on social media: “Paul Collins understood the soul of Cork. He understood that our brand is not just a drink — it is a feeling, a community, a pride. We will miss his creativity, his warmth, and his wicked sense of humor. Rest in peace, Paul.”
Cork Airport, for whom Noise produced a celebrated “Welcome Home” campaign in 2024, stated: “Paul’s work helped millions of travelers feel the emotion of returning to Cork. He was a true artist of connection. Our thoughts are with his family and the entire Noise team.”
A Lasting Legacy: The Future of Noise
In the wake of Paul’s passing, the future of Noise remains uncertain but hopeful. Robbie Roche has announced that the agency will remain open, with a portion of future profits going to a newly established Paul Collins Memorial Fund, which will provide grants to young people from Waterfall and Glanmire pursuing careers in creative industries.
“Paul believed in lifting others up,” Robbie said. “That’s what this fund will do. It will give someone else the chance he had. It’s the least we can do to honor his memory.”
The agency has also announced that it will complete all current projects in Paul’s name, with a dedication added to every campaign: “For Paul — who taught us that the best marketing comes from the heart.”
Conclusion: Gone Too Soon, Never Forgotten
Paul Collins lived only 32 or 33 years (specific birth year not provided), but in that brief time, he built a legacy that will endure for decades. He built a company. He built a reputation. He built friendships that were unbreakable. And he built a version of himself — kind, creative, humble — that inspired everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
His co-founder, his family, his colleagues, and his community now face the impossible task of saying goodbye. But as they gather at the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary in Shanakiel, and as they lay him to rest in the quiet earth of St. James’ Cemetery in Chetwynd, they will carry Paul with them — in every campaign they create, in every act of kindness they perform, in every moment they choose to be a little more like him.
Rest in peace, Paul Collins. Waterfall. Glanmire. Noise. Forever loved. Forever remembered. Gone too soon, but never, ever forgotten.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
May his soul be at the right hand of God.
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