Cork Chamber remembers John Mullins’s enduring impact on Cork and region

Mr Mullins was an influential business and civic figure, having led Bord Gáis, founded solar company Amarenco, chaired the Port of Cork, and run as a Fine Gael candidate in the European elections last year

Ronan Murray, EY Cork office managing partner; Rob Horgan, president of Cork Chamber; Pat Mullins, accepting award on behalf of the Mullins family; Jacqui Hurley, host for the evening; and Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber. Cork Chamber presented the Outstanding Contribution to Business Award 2025 posthumously in honour of the late John Mullins. Picture: Finbarr O’Rourke

The late John Mullins was the posthumous recipient of the Cork Chamber’s Outstanding Contribution to Business Award in Dublin last night.

The award recognised Mr Mullins’s exceptional leadership in business and his enduring impact on Cork and Ireland.

Previous recipients of the award include Seán O’Driscoll (Glen Dimplex), Cathy Kearney (Apple), Jim Barry (Barry Group), Darina Allen (Ballymaloe), Jim Woulfe (Dairygold), and Bob Savage (Dell).

The Tánaiste and new minister for finance, Simon Harris, delivered the keynote speech on the night.

A past president of Cork Chamber, Mr Mullins passed away in April.

He was an influential business and civic figure, having led Bord Gáis, founded solar company Amarenco, chaired the Port of Cork, and run as a Fine Gael candidate in the European elections last year.

A past president of Cork Chamber, John Mullins passed away in April. File Picture: Dan Linehan

Rob Horgan, the president of Cork Chamber, said: “John Mullins was a leader who understood the power of collaboration.

“He brought people together across sectors, across communities, across beliefs, and he did so with energy, integrity, and a deep love for Cork. His influence was felt in boardrooms, in government circles, and in the many civic and community organisations where he gave so generously of his time.”

Ambition and drive

Accepting the award on behalf of the Mullins family, John’s brother Pat Mullins said: “On behalf of the Mullins family, my sincere thanks to Cork Chamber for this award.

“John had an extraordinary capacity to imagine what could be achieved, and the determination to make it happen. Ambition and drive were not things he learned, they were part of who he was. He cared deeply about his homeplace, about Cork and Ireland, and he carried that pride into everything he did.

“His legacy lives on in the projects he led, the people he inspired, and the organisations he helped shape.

“We are deeply proud to see that legacy celebrated here tonight.”

Rebecca Loughry and Valerie O’Sullivan, of Cork City Council, at the dinner. Picture: Naoise Culhane

Conor Healy, the CEO of Cork Chamber, said: “John was not only a past president of Cork Chamber, he was a colleague, a mentor, and a great friend to so many of us.

“He combined business leadership with a strong sense of public duty, contributing meaningfully to national policy, regional development, and community life.

“From Bord Gáis to Amarenco, from the Port of Cork to his many charitable and civic roles, he strengthened every organisation he touched. John believed in Cork’s potential, and he worked tirelessly to help realise it. This award honours a life defined by service, innovation, and a remarkable generosity of spirit.”

Mr Harris said the Cork region was integral to our national economic prosperity and trading success.

Ray Kelleher, The Montenotte Hotel; Susie Horgan, Springboard Communications; and Frank McCarthy. Picture: Naoise Culhane

“From the docklands to the harbour, from the start up ecosystem to world-class multinationals, Cork continues to shape our national story,” he said.

“For Cork, that momentum is very real, it is accelerating, and it is recognised around the world.”

Mr Horgan noted the collaboration between Ireland’s two largest city regions.

“Collaboration is what drives every connection we celebrate tonight — between Cork and Dublin, between industry and education, between local vision and national policy. It’s the thread that runs through business, diplomacy and community alike,” he said.

British ambassador to Ireland Kara Owen and EY Ireland’s Frank O’Keeffe. Picture: Naoise Culhane

Reflecting on Cork’s role in national progress, he said: “Cork’s priorities are Ireland’s priorities. They are about keeping our country competitive, sustainable, delivering now and also ready for the future. There are a number of interconnected social and economic enablers that must be prioritised to realise Cork and Ireland’s full potential.”