The death occurred last week of one of the leading figures in the Irish motor industry, Dr Tim Mahony (77).

Dr Mahony was chairman of Killeen Investments the holding company for Toyota Ireland, Lexus Ireland, Mount Juliet Estate and Ballylinch Stud.

Dr. Mahony was one of Ireland’s leading businessmen for the past three decades. He steered Toyota Ireland, from a fledgling operation in the mid 1970s to being the market leader in the Irish motor industry.

In 1987 he purchased Mount Juliet estate in County Kilkenny and through it pioneered a new approach to luxury tourism in Ireland, with the restoration of Mount Juliet House, the development of the Jack Nicklaus designed championship golf course and his investment in Ballylinch Stud as a centre of excellence in the thorough bred industry.

Dr Mahony received honorary doctorates from Dublin City University and University College Cork for his contribution to the social and economic well being of the county.

He was a major patron of the Arts, Irish Culture and Sport in Ireland.

Among his patronages were the Irish World Music Centre at the University of Limerick, The Helix Centre at Dublin City University, where the main auditorium (The Mahony Hall) is named in his honour and the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland.

His support of sport in Ireland was widespread. He hosted three Irish Open Golf Championships, two American Express World Golf Championships (2002 and 2004) in Mount Juliet.

Through his influence and interest Toyota Ireland has sponsored Munster Rugby for the past four years.

A life long supporter of the GAA, this year he oversaw Toyota Ireland’s sponsorship of the All Ireland Football Championships.

He is survived by his wife Maeve, his four daughters; Joan, Jenny, Sarah and Mary, his brother Denis and sisters Joan and Mary.

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