Tourism and travel pioneer Dermot Cronin dies, aged 95

Mr Cronin was the founder of Cronins Coaches

Dermot Cronin of Cronin's Coaches back in 2011. Mr Cronin, the founder of Cronins Coaches, has died aged 95. Picture: Ger McCarthy

The death has occurred of Dermot Cronin, the founder of Cronins Coaches, who has died aged 95.

Mr Cronin founded Cronins Coaches in 1957, and the company headquartered on Cork's Mallow Road is renowned across the Irish tourism landscape, and the sporting landscape carrying Cork inter-county GAA teams. The company has over 100 vehicles and depots in Cork, Dublin, and Newry.

Mr Cronin, who was predeceased by his wife Joan, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. 

In retirement he remained a renowned figure in Irish travel and tourism, and was an active member of SKAL, the association of travel and tourism professionals.

Mr Cronin's body will be reposing at Sullivan’s Funeral Home, Turners Cross on Friday with his funeral mass on Saturday April 18th at 1pm in the Church of the Assumption, Ballyphehane, with burial at St Mary and St John Churchyard Cemetery, Ballincollig. 

Writing on LinkedIn, the head of Visit Cork, Seamus Heaney said Dermot, "alongside his wife Joan, built their travel and tourism business from humble beginnings. Dermot was a stalwart of Irish tourism and a founding member of SKAL, he continued to share his views on world affairs and business right up to the end… the man that he was.

"Celebrating 70 years in business, Cronin’s Coaches remains a proud, family-owned and operated company and a proud symbol of Cork and Irish tourism known across the globe. On behalf of our Chair, Board and staff, we extend our sincerest sympathies to a man whose life was well lived, and to the Cronin family and all the teams with the Cronin group."