Funeral arrangements announced for the late John Mullins

The Taoiseach led tributes to businessman, entrepreneur, and Fine Gael politician John Mullins, who passed away suddenly at home on Monday morning at the age of 57.

A former chief executive of Bord Gáis, and group chairman of clean energy firm Amarenco Solar, Mr Mullins was a Fine Gael candidate in Ireland South in last June’s European parliamentary elections, polling 33,281 first preferences.

An engineering graduate of UCC, Mr Mullins served as president of Cork Chamber from 2011 to 2013, and he also served as chairman of the Port of Cork board between 2013 and 2018.

A native of Blarney St and raised in Bishopstown, Mr Mullins had been living in Castlemartyr in recent years.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he had been deeply saddened to hear of Mr Mullins’s passing, describing him as “a wonderfully gregarious character” who “made such a distinguished contribution to public life, business, sport, and politics”.

“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,” Mr Martin said.

“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.

“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’s 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,” Mr Harris said.

“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, 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. The Fine Gael family, especially across Cork, mourns his loss today.”

Mr Mullins unsuccessfully sought the Fine Gael nomination to run in Cork South Central in November’s general election. 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 Buttimer said he was “heartbroken” at the loss of someone he had known for many years.

“Our friendship goes back a long way, and we both contested the nomination convention, we did so in a friendly way, we said we’d both support each other if one of us came through, and that’s what happened, and John was very involved in my campaign, and I wouldn’t be, I think, in Dáil Éireann if not for him.”

Fine Gael county councillor Jack White told The Echo he was “shell-shocked and heartbroken” at the news.

“John was a good friend and a mentor to me, in politics and in life,” he said. “We had the best conversations and fun, always. I count myself very lucky to have known him.”

Councillors attending yesterday’s county council meeting passed a vote expressing condolences on Mr Mullins’s passing.

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

Rob Horgan, president of Cork Chamber, said Mr Mullins had “a true pillar of the wider business community”.

Cork Chamber CEO Conor Healy added: “John was a remarkable person whose warmth, intelligence and drive made a deep and lasting impression on all of us.”

An Amarenco spokesperson said: “John will be greatly missed by all in our business, and industry, for his leadership and friendship. Our business is stronger because of him and we remain fully committed to ensuring our continued success with the same passion and dedication.”

Funeral arrangements

Funeral arrangements for Mr Mullins have been announced.

Reposing at the Wilton Funeral Home, Sarsfield Road of Jerh. O’Connor Ltd; tomorrow, Wednesday [April 16] from 5pm to 6pm.

Liturgy of the Word at 1pm on Thursday [April 17] in the Church of the Holy Spirit, Dennehy’s Cross.

Funeral afterwards to the Island Crematorium, Rocky Island, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork.