'He was all for Macroom': Tributes paid to Cork hotelier Don Buckley following his death 

Tributes have poured in following the passing of Don Buckley, the owner of the Castle Hotel in Macroom, after a short illness.

Don was the son of Dan and Maureen Buckley, who first founded the hotel in 1951, which is this year celebrating 75 years of business under the ownership of the Buckley family.

The hotel hit the headlines earlier this year as it also celebrated its links to its Oscar-winning cousin, Jessie.

In a tribute to Mr Buckley, the Castle Hotel said in statement: “Don was our leader and hero in the hotel and guided us all for many years. 

“He worked tirelessly all his life, alongside his family and late father and mother, to bring the hotel to where it is today. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends, customers, and staff of the hotel.”

As a mark of respect, the hotel was closed on Monday for Don’s funeral.

In April 1951, Don’s parents arrived in Macroom, at a time when the hotel was called ‘Ronans’ and had just 10 bedrooms.

Over the following decades, including many years under the guidance of Don Buckley, the Castle Hotel grew into 56 bedrooms, with a leisure club, award-winning food, and conference facilities.

The current general manager of the Castle Hotel is Don’s son Rory Buckley, the third generation of the family to run the hotel.

Many tributes have been pouring in over recent days following the passing of Mr Buckley, who was a stalwart of business, sporting and community life in Macroom for many years, including statements from both Macroom GAA and the AFC soccer club.

Killian Lynch, chairperson of the Macroom Business Association, told The Echo that Mr Buckley made a hugely significant contribution to life in the mid-Cork town over many years.

“He was a business person, but he was all for Macroom,” Mr Lynch said. “He was one person that was always there through thick and thin.

“Anytime you’d go into the hotel, he was always very pleasant and always acknowledged anyone that came in.

“Behind the scenes, the Macroom Business Association and Lee Valley Enterprise Board was never found wanting with him there.”

Cork Fine Gael senator Eileen Lynch added: “Don was a fantastic business man. You would never go into the Castle Hotel without meeting himself or his brother Gerard.

“That personal touch always made such a difference. He was always a very nice and friendly man. His presence will be greatly missed around Macroom town and beyond.”

Don is remembered by his wife Margaret, son Rory, daughters Meghan and Grace and family pet Jessie, daughter-in-law Susie, son-in-law Ian and Grace’s partner Conor, brothers Declan and Gerard and a wide circle of friends and staff.