Politician and businessman John Mullins passes away

Cork businessman and Fine Gael politician John Mullins has died aged 57. He ran in the European Elections for Fine Gael last year. He was the group chairman of solar energy firm Amarenco and former CEO of Board Gáis between 2007 and 2012.

He served as president of the Cork Chamber of Commerce from 2011 to 2013 before becoming chairman of the Port of Cork from 2013 to 2021 and was deeply embedded in GAA in Cork, especially Bishopstown GAA club and Cork GAA.

An Tánaiste Simon Harris TD paid tribute saying: “It was with shock and deep sadness that I learned of the passing of John Mullins earlier today. 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.

“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.”

He added that John 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,” he said.