Latest news with #RobertDunne
Irish Times
08-08-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Robert Dunne, son of former supermarket tycoon Ben Dunne, dies in New York
The death has taken place of Robert Dunne, son of the former head of Dunnes Stores, the late Ben Dunne. Mr Dunne, who was 50, died peacefully in New York on August 1st. He is to be buried on Monday in Castleknock Churchyard, Dublin, following a Requiem Mass at St Mochta's Church, Porterstown, Clonsilla. The Brehon Law Society of New York, where Mr Dunne worked as a lawyer, said it was with 'deep respect and remembrance' that it heard of the death of its President Emeritus. 'Rob's unwavering dedication to justice, his leadership within the Brehon Law Society, and his enduring commitment to the Irish-American legal community leave a lasting impression,' it said, announcing that a month's mind Mass is to be held in New York on September 4th. READ MORE Mr Dunne grew up in Castleknock, Co Dublin, attended Trinity College Dublin and the London School of Economics, worked in Dunnes Stores in the Ilac Centre, Dublin, and later moved to the US to work as a lawyer. He is survived by his mother, Mary, siblings Mark, Caroline and Nicholas, and wider family. Condolences posted on recalled his time in Castleknock, at Trinity, in the Ilac Centre, and in the US. 'I lived in NYC for twenty years and attended many interesting legal events invited by Rob. His laughter was infectious and wit, second to none. May he rest in peace,' said Antoin, formerly of Manhattan. In a moving interview with The Sunday Independent last year Mr Dunne spoke about being the son of one of the State's top business figures and a man whose life was filled with extraordinary controversy. Among the events he recalled was his father being kidnapped by the Provisional IRA in 1981, being arrested in Florida in 1992 when having a panic attack after taking cocaine, and the way his mother stuck with her husband during the ensuing controversy and his father's continuing struggles with cocaine. 'I think my dad developed what we would now call PTSD and he needed counselling,' Mr Dunne said in respect of the effect of the kidnapping. The fallout from the events in Florida included an audit being commissioned of Dunnes Stores accounts, which led in time to revelations about payments to Michael Lowry and the late Charles Haughey, and the associated inquiries by the McCracken and Moriarty tribunals. Mr Dunne told the newspaper that it was the events in Florida and the fallout from them that led to his decision to study law. He eventually set up his own firm in New York. Asked what he would say to his father, who died in 2023, Mr Dunne said he would tell him he couldn't have had a better father. 'You made lots of mistakes, but you owned all of them. Please know that I am nothing but proud of you.'
Extra.ie
07-08-2025
- Business
- Extra.ie
Robert Dunne, son of late businessman Ben Dunne, dies aged 50
Robert Dunne, the son of late tycoon Ben Dunne, has passed away at the age of 50. His death comes almost two years after the passing of his father, who suffered a fatal heart attack while on holiday in Dubai. Robert had been living in New York and was a successful attorney there. He is survived by his mother Mary, and siblings Mark, Caroline and Nicholas. Robert Dunne, the son of late tycoon Ben Dunne, has passed away at the age of 50. Pic: The Brehon Law Society of New York paid tribute to Mr Dunne on Monday, writing: 'It is with heavy hearts and deep respect and remembrance that we announce the passing of Robert 'Rob' Dunne, Brehon President Emeritus. 'Rob's unwavering dedication to justice, his leadership within the Brehon Law Society, and his enduring commitment to the Irish-American legal community leave a lasting impression.' Taking to social media, another person wrote: 'Dear Rob, gone way too soon. Our condolences to Mrs Dunne, Rob's brothers and sister and extended family and friends.' Benn Dunne. Pic: Gareth Chaney Collins Another added: 'Rob was such a smart and funny guy who was so passionate about his music. His passing is a huge shock and tremendous loss to all who knew him.' His death notice reads: 'Robert Dunne (New York, USA and formerly of Castleknock, Dublin 15) August 1st 2025 peacefully in New York. 'Darling son of Mary and the late Ben, dearly loved brother of Mark, Caroline and Nicholas and beloved uncle of Ben, Katie, Pearl and Joseph. 'Sadly missed by his loving mother, brothers, sister, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, relatives and a large circle of friends.' Mr Dunne will repose at Cunningham's Funeral Home, Church Avenue, Blanchardstown on Sunday evening, August 10. His funeral will take place at St Mochta's Church, Porterstown, Clonsilla, on Monday morning, followed by burial in Castleknock Churchyard.
