Cáit Caden: Ben Dunne had a major impact on Irish life, less so in the business world

Hard-nosed retail scion who reinvented himself as a fitness entrepreneur and failed to launch online left a lasting impact on Irish society — but not on Irish business

After his departure from Dunnes, Ben Dunne founded Ben Dunne Gyms, no-frills gym facilities which he ran with his son Mark at the helm. Picture: Sam Boal/RollingNews 

More than a decade ago, Cork-born businessman Ben Dunne read a poem — ‘The Indispensable Man’ by Saxon White Kessinger — on a Friday night at the end of his appearance on The Late Late Show.

Sometime when you feel that your going, Would leave an unfillable hole, Just follow these simple instructions, And see how they humble your soul.