It is with deep sadness and profound gratitude that Co-operation Ireland remembers John Mullins who died suddenly this week.

John was a long-time supporter and unwavering advocate for peace and reconciliation across this island and his commitment to our work spanned many years, beginning with his generous support as CEO of Bord Gáis, where he helped fund our annual Golf Classic. 

John’s contributions came from a passion that went far beyond financial support. In 2013, when he became Chairman of our Cork Committee, he brought with him a conviction to promote meaningful and lasting connections between communities in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. 

Under John’s guidance, the Cork/Belfast Youth Leadership Programme was launched in 2013 with his vision shaping it into a powerful model of cross-border understanding, inspiring the creation of additional programmes linking Dublin/Belfast and Limerick/Derry/Londonderry. 

These initiatives laid the foundations for what would become Co-operation Ireland’s flagship Future Leaders Programme launched in 2020.

John’s influence extended throughout Cork and far beyond. In partnership with Cork City Council, he played a key role in setting up a wide range of cross-border peace initiatives: from the Ocean to City Race, to building links between Cork’s Lifelong Learning Festival and Belfast’s Féile an Phobail, and fostering connections between the Cork and Belfast City Marathons. These initiatives brought communities together in meaningful, joyful, and lasting ways — just as John always intended.

But above all, John Mullins was a friend to us all. Whether it was a group visit from Northern Ireland, a leadership graduation, or a planning session for the next big idea — John showed up. Often flying in from France just to be there, his presence alone inspired others. When John spoke, people listened — because they knew he spoke from the heart.

He loved Cork. He loved where he came from. And he used that love to inspire others to believe in themselves, to believe in the power of peace, and to strive to do great things.

John Mullins was one of the great peacebuilders of our time. We are honoured to have worked beside him. His legacy lives on in every young leader shaped by the programmes he helped to build, in every cross-border friendship he helped to spark, and in every person he inspired along the way.

He will be deeply missed and everyone at Co-operation Ireland’s thoughts are with Siobhan, Michael and Sarah.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.