'A true son of Cork': Tánaiste leads tributes to businessman, entrepreneur and Fine Gael politician John Mullins

The death has occurred of businessman, entrepreneur and Fine Gael politician John Mullins. 

Mr Mullins, who passed away suddenly, was in his mid 50s.

A former CEO of Bord Gáis, Mr Mullins polled 33,281 first preferences as a Fine Gael candidate in Ireland South in last June’s European parliamentary elections before being eliminated on the 17th count.

Mr Mullins unsuccessfully sought the Fine Gael nomination to run in Cork South Central in November’s general election.

However, the party chose Shane O’Callaghan and Úna McCarthy in the July selection convention, and Jerry Buttimer, who ultimately won the seat, was added as a third candidate in September.

Mr Mullins had a long association with Fine Gael and had previously sought the party’s nomination to run in the 1994 Cork North Central by-election but was beaten in the selection convention by Colm Burke, who has served as TD for the constituency since 2020.

Originally from Bishopstown, and living in East Cork, he was the group chairman of solar energy firm Amarenco.

Mr Mullins served as president of Cork Chamber of Commerce from 2011 to 2013, and he also served as chairperson of the Port of Cork board between 2013 and 2018.

He is survived by his wife Siobhan and their two children.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was "deeply saddened at the passing of John Mullins", and described him as "someone who made such a distinguished contribution to public life, business, sport and politics".

"John was a wonderfully gregarious character who had a huge impact in Cork and across the country.

"As chief executive of Bord Gáis, John made tremendous strides in the transformation of that organisation, and subsequently guided the growth of the Port of Cork.

"With Amarenco Solar he was influential in advancing solar power technology in this country and internationally.

"John had a particular interest in sport, with his beloved Bishopstown GAA and as director of Páirc Uí Chaoimh, and I often enjoyed great banter with him over sporting rivalries.

"John fully realised his potential in public service and in business, but he could just as easily have realised his promise in politics with his deep and abiding interest and involvement with Fine Gael.

"A great strategist, you would see John at all the election counts over the years.

"So many people will be shocked and saddened at John’s passing at such a young age, and I offer our deepest sympathies to his wife Siobhan, his family and friends."

Tánaiste Simon Harris said he learned of Mr Mullins' death "with shock and deep sadness".

“It was an honour to know John, to soldier with him in politics, to canvass with him and I always found it a joy to be in his company.

"John led a distinguished career including leading Bord Gáis Energy through a period of great transition. John was a businessman and an entrepreneur who was experienced and motivated by ingenuity and reward of enterprise.

"A GAA fan, a charity advocate, John was a true son of Cork. Whether it was through his chairmanship of the Port of Cork, his role as director of Páirc Uí Chaoimh, or his presidency of Cork Chamber of Commerce, his entire career was motivated by a desire to do right by his native city.

"For Fine Gael, he was a proud friend of so many and a party activist to his core. He was a former president of Young Fine Gael, a party trustee, a director of elections and more recently a European election candidate. The Fine Gael family, especially across Cork, mourns his loss today.

“He was kind, witty, intelligent, fundamentally decent and someone who always wanted to do right by his community and his country. His loss is immense and will be felt deeply by so many.

"I am especially thinking of his wife Siobhan and his two children Michael and Sarah as well as his parents Pat and Eileen. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam”.

Fine Gael councillor Jack White told The Echo that his thoughts are also with John’s wife, children and family. 

"I am shell shocked and heartbroken hearing the news this morning.

"John was a good friend and a mentor to me, in politics and in life.

"We had the best conversations and fun, always. I count myself as very lucky to have known him.

"He was an extraordinary figure in business, charity, sport, politics and life.

"He will be hugely missed."

Former tánaiste Simon Coveney posted on X: "Such sad news. John Mullins was a good friend. So many will be shocked by this news: in business, politics, sport & community. John gave so much to so many in Cork, Ireland & int.

"Sincere condolences to his family who will miss him terribly."

County council meeting

Councillors attending Monday’s county council meeting passed a vote expressing condolences on the passing of the former Port of Cork Chairman, John Mullins.

The leader of the Fine Gael cohort on the council, Michael Hegarty, proposed the vote of sympathy to the family of his party colleague and a candidate for Fine Gael in last year’s European Parliament elections.

“As you’re all aware, John was a business man who headed up Bórd Gáis, who was the chairman of the Port of Cork and was deeply involved in all sporting life, particularly GAA and horse-racing,” said the East Cork councillor.

“He was in Loughlinbridge the other night to welcome the Mullins family and, in particular, Nick Rockett (the winner of the Grand National).

“It’s a very sad time for Fine Gael – John was a trustee of the party and he was also the president of Young Fine Gael – he will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting and knowing him – ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.” 

County Mayor Joe Carroll, Fianna Fáil councillor, described the late Mr Mullins as a “gentleman”.

Fianna Fáil councillor Patrick Mulcahy said it was very difficult to be speaking in the past tense about Mr Mullins. 

“It’s just hard to believe, all the messages coming in, especially around the GAA circles, John had done so much around Páirc Uí Chaoimh over the past three or four years – he was one of the most driving forces in selling all those premium seats, there were around 700 sold in 2021 and John was the main driving force in getting the rest of that sold.” 

Mr Mulcahy said there were now about 2200 tickets sold and he said a lot of credit for that should go to the efforts of the late John Mullins.

Frank O’Flynn, Fianna Fáil councillor, said the hearts of those who were attending the opening of the new platform at Kent Station had dropped on hearing the news of the death of Mr Mullins.

Cork Chamber

Rob Horgan, president of Cork Chamber, said John Mullins was more than a president at Cork Chamber, "he was a true pillar of the wider business community". 

"His contribution enriched the very fabric of our region.

"John was a natural leader - considered and driven by purpose. His ambition was evident throughout his remarkable career.

"In every role, John brought strategic clarity and dedication to progress.

"His legacy will live on in the people he impacted and the values he championed.” 

Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber, added: “John was a remarkable person whose warmth, intelligence and drive made a deep and lasting impression on all of us. I had the privilege of working closely with John during his time as president of Cork Chamber from 2011 to 2013, a role he carried out with distinction and passion. He always gave generously of his time and his insight, striving to raise the bar for those around him.

"He had a natural ability to lead, to listen and to inspire. Beyond business, John brought great energy to everything he did. He had a deep love for sport, particularly Cork GAA and a strong belief in civic responsibility."

"John will be so deeply missed, by me personally, by everyone at Cork Chamber and by the many people whose lives he touched through his leadership and friendship. We are all better for having known him, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, wide circle of friends and colleagues at this very sad time.”