Businessman Ben Dunne’s Dublin funeral to be open to the public

The 74-year-old died after suffering a heart attack while on holiday with his son Mark in Dubai last weekend.

The entrepreneur ran Dunnes Stores as managing director and executive chairman for almost 10 years following the death of his father, also Ben, in 1983. He later established a chain of fitness centres.

The funeral, which is open to the public, is due to take place on Tuesday at St Mochta’s Church in Porterstown, Clonsilla at 11am, followed by burial in Castleknock Churchyard.

Additional seating will be available in the Parish Centre at the rear of the church.

His death notice notes that he is the “beloved husband” of Mary and “dear father” of Mark, Robert, Caroline and Nicholas. It also says that he is a “beloved grandfather” of Ben, Katie, Pearl and Joseph.

Sympathisers will be able to pay their respects at Cunningham’s Funeral Home, Church Avenue, Blanchardstown on Monday evening from 4pm until 7pm.

The removal will then take place the following day and the body of Mr Dunne will be brought to St. Mochta’s Church arriving for a funeral mass at 11am followed by burial in Castleknock Churchyard.

Members of the business community including and high profile politicians are expected to attend.

Mr Dunne was an iconic figure in Irish business for several decades.

In a statement released after Mr Dunne died, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he was “deeply saddened” to hear the news.

“A constituent of mine in Castleknock and a local employer, I met Ben many times. He really was larger than life,” he said.

“Among other things, he pioneered the fitness industry in Ireland first with Westpoint and then Ben Dunne Gyms.

“He led a life less ordinary and in turn he made some mistakes in life. The best people do. He never allowed that to defeat him or hold him back. He touched the lives of tens of thousands who will mourn his loss.”