Former Enterprise Ireland chairman Hugh Cooney died in his home on Monday following a battle with cancer.
Mr Cooney was widely praised for an appearance on the Late Late Show in recent weeks during which he revealed he had just weeks to live following a two year battle with colon cancer. During the interview, he appealed to middle-aged men to undergo colonoscopies to check for cancer.
Mr Cooney (63) enjoyed a long and successful business career after attending college at University College Dublin. He was head of corporate finance at BDO Simpson Xavier prior to his appointment with Enterprise Ireland where he spent five years as chairman from November 2008 to July 2013.
He also served as chairman of the Trustees of Arnotts Pension Fund, chairman of Siteserv plc, and as a nonexecutive director of Origin Enterprises.
Before the Irish Press newspaper closed down in 1995, Mr Cooney was appointed examiner to both the trading company Irish Press Newspapers Ltd and the title-holding company Irish Press Publications Ltd by Mr Justice Frank Murphy.
He was unsuccessful in his attempts to keep the publication afloat.
Minister for Jobs and Enterprise Richard Bruton released a statement on Tuesday in which he paid tribute to the “huge role” played by Mr Cooney in Ireland’s economic recovery “through very difficult years”.
“Hugh was a cheerful and resourceful man in life who brought these very same qualities to his battle with cancer,” he said. “He was determined to understand the challenge and give insight to others. I greatly admired him for his courage.
“His loss will be deeply felt by all those who had the privilege of knowing him and I extend my sympathies to Hugh’s wife Nuala and his five children at this very difficult time.”
Mr Cooney, from Tullamore, Co Offaly, was a close friend of former Taoiseach Brian Cowen.
Fianna Fáil enterprise spokesman Dara Calleary said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of Mr Cooney’s death.
“His passion for business was evident in his dedication to his role as chairman of Enterprise Ireland,” he said. “He took on the position at a particularly difficult time in global economics, and through his determination and vision, managed to grow and develop the organisation.
“His legacy can be seen in the success of Enterprise Ireland today, which provides support to companies who directly provide employment for over 180,000 people.
“Following his diagnosis, Hugh campaigned tirelessly to try and raise awareness, particularly among men, about the need for screening. His courage and advocacy during his illness reflected the kindness and selflessness that embodied Hugh.
“His loss will be felt right across the business community.”
