TRIBUTES have been paid to former Limerick charity boss Peter Ireton following his sudden death last Monday.
Mr Ireton (68), who founded and was former chief executive of the charity Bóthar, was found dead in tragic circumstances at his home in Castletroy.
Gardaí said they were “investigating a sudden death incident following the discovery of a body”, but were not treating the death as suspicious.
A firearm was recovered at the scene and Mr Ireton’s body was taken to University Hospital Limerick for a post mortem examination. A file is being prepared for the Coroner who will arrange an inquest.
Bóthar provides donations of livestock as long term development aid to struggling people across 12 developing countries. It started out in the 1990s on the second floor of Rooney estate agents offices on O’Connell Street before relocating to its present headquarters on Old Clare Street.
Rooney’s boss, Pat Kearney, told the Limerick Post: “I’m absolutely shocked and horrified at the news. As far as I was concerned Peter was much beloved by everyone. Maybe he didn’t realise that people admired him so much for what he had done.”
“I knew Peter exceptionally well because of his and Bóthar’s 12 years working in our building, and I found him a very honourable and decent man. He was dedicated to the charity that he founded and which he engaged in full-time with a very hard working staff.”
“I think everyone admired the quality of the charity he put in place and the way it benefited so many unfortunate people in Africa.
“He created a terrific engine of a charity, and that has to be recognised,” Mr Kearney added.
Former publisher Billy Ryan said he would remember Peter Ireton for his empathy and his passion for the outdoors.
“I enjoyed his company above many others. I have wonderful memories of laughing hysterically as he would recount tales from his amazing adventures and life experiences. I have known him for almost fifty years. I am extremely saddened by his loss”.
Mr Ireton’s death came amid a bitter court conflict between Bóthar and David Moloney, the man who succeeded him as chief executive in 2011, and less than a fortnight after the charity took action against Mr Moloney claiming he misappropriated over €464,000 of the charity’s money to benefit himself and others.
Mr Moloney, who resigned last February, has denied any wrongdoing.
Bóthar director and former chairman, Harry Lawlor, has claimed in the proceedings that Mr Moloney was “guilty of an egregious breach of trust and an appalling dereliction of his duty”.
A spokeswoman for Bóthar told the Limerick Post: “Bóthar is very saddened to learn of the death of one of its founders, Peter Ireton. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.”
Predeceased by his sister Rosemary, Mr Ireton is survived by his brother Vincent; sisters Janet and Kate; brothers and sister-in-law; nieces and nephews as well as a wide circle of relatives and friends.
His funeral Mass will place at 11.30am on Monday at Monaleen Church, followed by a private cremation service in Shannon.
