CORK, IRELAND – The Cork business and creative industries are mourning the reported sudden death of Paul Collins, co-founder and marketing director of the award-winning Cork-based agency Noise, who passed away on May 30, 2026, following an accident at his home in Glanmire. He was in his early thirties.

The news has prompted widespread shock across Ireland’s advertising, marketing, and entrepreneurship sectors, where Collins was widely regarded as a highly creative, deeply respected, and community-minded professional. Tributes have poured in from colleagues, clients, friends, and industry peers, many describing him as a rare combination of creative talent, emotional intelligence, and generosity.

Circumstances of Death

According to statements from authorities, emergency services responded to Collins’ residence in Glanmire on Saturday afternoon. Despite intervention from paramedics and hospital staff at Cork University Hospital, he was later pronounced deceased. Gardaí have confirmed that no foul play is suspected, and the matter has been referred to the Cork City Coroner’s Court, where a routine inquest will be held in the coming weeks.

The family has requested privacy during their period of grief and has not released further details regarding the circumstances of the accident.

Professional Life and Rise of Noise

Paul Collins co-founded Noise in 2016 alongside his close friend and business partner, Robbie Roche, following his studies in marketing and business at Cork Institute of Technology (now Munster Technological University). The agency began as a small startup operating from a shared office on Washington Street in Cork city and gradually expanded into one of the region’s most recognized creative marketing firms.

As Marketing Director, Collins was widely credited as the creative force behind the agency’s storytelling approach. Noise became known for emotionally driven campaigns and strong brand narratives developed for major Irish clients including Murphy’s Ice Cream, Barry’s Tea, Cork Airport, and Cork GAA.

Colleagues described Collins as someone who emphasized authenticity in marketing, often encouraging teams to ensure messaging felt natural, relatable, and human-centered. His approach helped shape the agency’s reputation for originality and emotional connection.

Tributes From Colleagues and Friends

Following news of his passing, tributes have been shared widely across social media and within the Irish creative sector. Many remembered Collins as both a visionary professional and a deeply loyal friend.

His co-founder, Robbie Roche, issued a heartfelt statement describing Collins as “the creative engine of Noise and the heart of the company,” noting his optimism, generosity, and unwavering belief in the agency even during its most difficult early years. Roche stated that Noise will continue operations in his honor, with plans to establish a memorial fund supporting aspiring young creatives.

Former colleagues and clients echoed similar sentiments, describing Collins as someone who brought warmth and humanity into every professional interaction. Many noted that his influence extended beyond marketing strategy into workplace culture, mentorship, and personal encouragement.

Community and Family Response

Collins is survived by his parents, Denis and Teresa Collins, his brother Ronan, and his sister, Sr. Mary Joseph. Family members have described him as a central figure within their lives and someone who maintained close, consistent connections with loved ones.

Neighbors in Glanmire and Waterfall, where Collins was originally from, also shared memories of him as approachable, friendly, and community-oriented. The family has received an outpouring of support from across Cork, including messages, visits, and floral tributes.

Funeral Arrangements

A Requiem Mass for Paul Collins will be held at The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, Shanakiel, Cork, followed by burial at St. James’ Cemetery, Chetwynd. The family has requested that mourners consider donations to Pieta House and the Cork City Samaritans in lieu of flowers, in recognition of Collins’ support for mental health awareness.

A book of condolences has been opened both at the Noise agency offices on South Mall and online for those wishing to pay tribute.

Industry Impact and Legacy

Industry leaders across Cork and Ireland have described Collins’ death as a significant loss to the creative and business community. The Cork Chamber of Commerce noted his contribution to shaping modern local branding and praised his commitment to community-focused entrepreneurship.

Clients have also acknowledged his influence on their brands, emphasizing his ability to create campaigns that resonated emotionally and authentically with audiences.

Noise has announced that it will continue operations and complete ongoing projects in Collins’ name, with a dedication included in future campaign work honoring his contribution.

Conclusion

Paul Collins’ passing marks the loss of a prominent young entrepreneur whose work helped shape Cork’s modern creative marketing landscape. Though his life was cut short, his influence continues through his agency, his colleagues, and the many individuals he inspired.

He is remembered as a visionary, a mentor, a friend, and a deeply valued member of the Cork community. His legacy will remain embedded in the industry he helped build and the lives he touched.

Rest in peace, Paul Collins. Gone too soon, but never forgotten.