Tributes paid to Cork businessman Clayton Love Jnr on his death

Mr Love developed several shopping centres in Cork including Douglas Village, Douglas Court and Wilton Shopping Centre 

Clayton Love Jnr. His firm was responsible for some of Cork's most significant retail developments. File Picture: Gerard Bonus/Evening Echo

Well-known Cork businessman and developer, Clayton Love Jnr has passed away at the age of 94.

Born in 1929, Mr Love had a long-lasting and significant career which included the development of several large commercial properties, including some of Cork's largest and longest-standing shopping centres. 

Mr Love's family had an extensive development history dating back to the early 1970s when Douglas Village opened as Ireland’s second-ever shopping centre.

Clayton Love Jnr went on to develop the area's second shopping Centre, Douglas Court in 1990. The Love family, through their property development firm, the Shipton Group also developed major shopping centres in both Wilton and Blackpool and was involved in the redevelopment of the old mart in Fermoy town centre. 

He also served as President of Cork Chamber in 1979 and 1980 and as chair of Beamish and Crawford.

Mr Love was an accomplished sailor and was one of the founders of the Irish Sailing Association. He was also heavily involved in the RNLI, the Royal Cork Yacht Club and Fota Wildlife Park.

Clayton Love, looking down on the Older Douglas shopping centre, with the newer centre in the background with the tower clock. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Conor Healy, chief executive of Cork Chamber, paid tribute to the former President, adding that Mr Love "made a significant contribution to the Chamber and had a very positive impact on the wider business landscape in Cork."

"A business leader, Douglas Village Shopping Centre was Cork’s first shopping centre when Mr Love developed and opened it in 1971. Mr Love was also known for his work with the Royal Cork Yacht Club, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Fota Wildlife Park and, most notably, for his great contribution as Chair of Beamish & Crawford.

"Our deepest condolences to his entire family and our thoughts are with them at this time."

Lifelong friend and colleague of Mr Love, Donal McClement said he was "a remarkable man, mentor and businessman."

"He lived a great life and was an incredible family man. He was hugely admired by those at Beamish and Crawford as well as by his many colleagues in the business and sailing world."

Mr Love is predeceased by his first wife, Betty who he was married to for over 50 years. He is survived by his widow, Barbara, his children, Neil, Sarah and Clayton and his several grandchildren.