‘Wonderfully gregarious’ John Mullins passes away

The funeral of Cork businessman and political activist, John Mullins, will take place in Cork city on Thursday afternoon.

Mr Mullins will be cremated at the Island Crematorium in Ringaskiddy following Liturgy of the Word at 1pm in the Church of the Holy Spirit, Dennehy’s Cross.

Shock rippled across Cork on Monday when news broke of Mr Mullin’s sudden passing in his East Cork Home.

Mr Mullins, 57, served as chief executive of Bord Gáis before co-founding green energy producer Amarenco Solar in 2013.

He also previously served as president of Cork Chamber and director of SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh and the Tyndall Institute.

He ran for election for Fine Gael in Ireland South in last year's European elections in place of the retiring Deirdre Clune.

Mr Mullins leaves behind his wife and children, his parents Pat and Maureen, and his brothers Jim, Pat, Kieran, and Brian.

Since Monday, heartfelt tributes have poured in from all corners of Cork.

The Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Dan Boyle said: “There is huge shock and sadness in Cork today at the sudden passing of a stalwart of the Cork and Irish business community, John Mullins.

“John’s leadership and strategic foresight had a huge impact on the development and direction of this city and country.

“Just last week he was in City Hall to launch a collaboration between EnergyCloud Ireland, Cork City Council, and the Cork Age Friendly City programme, driving an innovative technology project which uses smart technology to give free hot water to elderly people.

“Many people knew John the businessman, but not everyone knew of his strong commitment to social cohesion, being a key player in extending education and training opportunity to less advantaged communities as part of projects like Project Refocus,” added the Lord Mayor.

Also responding to the news was an Taoiseach Micheál Martin who said he was “deeply saddened” at the passing of 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,” said Mr Martin.

“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.

“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,” said the Taoiseach.

Rob Horgan, President of Cork Chamber, said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by the passing of John Mullins. John 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.

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.

“He always gave generously of his time and his insight, striving to raise the bar for those around him.

“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,” concluded Mr Healy.

John Mullin’s funeral will be live streamed from the Island Crematorium today via rip.ie.