Róisín Grimley, a valued wife, mother, grandma, and pal, earned a wide recognition due to her committed involvement in the progression of the Dublin International Piano Competition for an extended period. She was known for her genuine kindness and deep love. Born on the 29th of October, 1939 in Dublin, she had the privilege of being the eldest child of Marguerite and Tadhg Mac Firbhisigh. Her siblings included Iain, Eoin, Cyril, Donal, and Conall, whom she helped Marguerite raise after Tadhg’s untimely demise in his sleep when Róisín was just shy of turning 15. Róisín completed her education at Coláiste na Rinne, Waterford and Miss Meredith’s in Dublin before taking up her career at the Aer Lingus Bureau in Dublin after an extensive stay in France.
Róisín’s life took a turn when she met her future husband, Seán Grimley at a barbecue in Bohernabreena. Sean had been aware of her father, Tadhg Mac Firbhisigh, a celebrated Celtic scholar and vocalist who had been mentioned at Seán’s household in Drumcondra. The incidental encounter led to their marriage in 1962 and an ensuing move to London which Róisín relished. The couple relocated back to Dublin three years later, starting their dental practice in Dundrum.
Róisín was the life of their home with four children and a large number of foreign students while Seán focused on growing their dental practice. There were lots of social gatherings, and Róisín’s red book documented each with her guest lists and menus curated in the green ink. Her hospitality was inclusive, and her interaction both with friends and family, quite warm and friendly. Róisín was such a pillar of support that even her mother, Marguerite, relocated twice just to live near her.
Róisín was a personification of pure compassion, according to those who knew her best. “She was the most benevolent soul to have ever graced the earth,” a friend recounted after her passing. Another friend observed that Róisín was never judgemental of others, while also noting her guiding principle was to “forget and forgive”. Róisín had a deep love for attending Holy Mass and was often heard highlighting her favourite passages from sermons.
Róisín’s knack for forming bonds and friendships was appreciated greatly at her professional place, the Dublin International Piano Competition (DIPC). She offered her services to the DIPC Executive Committee from 1987 and accomplished a Diploma in Arts Administration at UCD in 1992. Subsequently, Róisín held roles in the organisation’s main office, including special projects coordinator, which involved producing popular concerts at the NCH and other venues. Adrienne Carolan from DIPC described Róisín possessing a distinctive warmth and charisma that could mesmerise anyone who met her. Her tenacity and unselfish nature left a profound impact on those who had an opportunity to interact with her during her DIPC tenure.
Róisín was instrumental in utilising Dublin’s incredible hospitality, arranging for competition participants to be accommodated in local homes where they could rehearse their music. Her job helping in the career establishment of the first prize winners through debut recital series took her traveling to prominent global cities.
Apart from her public life, Róisín held a remarkable passion for arts, music, and literature in her private life. She cherished spending time reading in the sunlight and tuning into thought-provoking broadcasts at the crack of dawn. Whenever possible, she would be found indulging in her love for walking. She poured vibrant colours into her life, reflected in her home decors, outfit selections, and jewellery. A friend from her musical circle likened Róisín’s voice to the mellifluous sweetness of honey.
During her stay at St Vincent’s Hospital, suffering her terminal illness, her granddaughters played her a spirited rendition of “Happy Birthday” sung by all the servers at a Rome restaurant in Trastevere during her last birthday celebration. Filled with joy, Róisín responded: “These moments keep an old lady’s spirit aflame!”
Róisín passed away at Dublin’s St Vincent’s University Hospital on October 30th, 2023. She leaves behind her spouse, Seán Grimley, and their offspring Tadhg, Aisling, Conor, and Clodagh, along with a dozen grandchildren. Her brothers, Iain, the Deacon of Portsmouth Diocese, and Eoin, known as Brother Ciarán OSB of Glenstal Abbey, sadly preceded her in death.