A Giant of Irish Industry: Martin Naughton Passes Away Aged 87
A Giant of Irish Industry: Martin Naughton Passes Away Aged 87
The 87-year-old businessman became ill while travelling in the US with his wife, Carmel, and passed away in a Seattle hospital. A Dundalk native, Mr. Naughton leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of entrepreneurship and charitable endeavour.
After studying Mechanical and Production Engineering in Southampton and spending 12 years in industrial engineering and plant management, he founded Glen Electric in 1973, which would eventually become the global giant Glen Dimplex. Under his leadership, the company expanded to operate 23 manufacturing plants across the globe, spanning Ireland, the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, China, and the USA.
A Legacy of Education and Philanthropy
In 1994, Martin and Carmel launched the Naughton Foundation, a private family foundation dedicated to supporting the arts and education. Perhaps its most enduring impact on the next generation was the creation of a scholarship programme in 2008. Designed to support Leaving Certificate students pursuing STEM subjects at third level, it began with a focus on Louth, Meath, and Monaghan before expanding nationwide, helping countless students find their path in engineering, technology, and science.
“I am deeply saddened by the death of Martin Naughton, probably Ireland’s greatest industrialist and philanthropist. Martin’s impact, with his wife Carmel, on education, culture and innovation is felt internationally.” — Minister Thomas Byrne
Throughout his career, Mr. Naughton received numerous honorary degrees and accolades, including being named a Knight of the British Empire (K.B.E.) and an Officier of the Légion d’Honneur by the French Government. He also served as a member of the Irish Council of State for seven years.
Remembered as a ‘Louth Man’
Former Government Minister Dermot Ahern led local tributes, recalling Martin’s deep connections to the region. “He was synonymous with job creation and he was always very, very much a Louth man and a Dundalk man,” said Mr. Ahern. “He did everything that he could in order to sustain employment here in Dunleer and indeed in Newry in its time. He was one of the great entrepreneurs of our time in Ireland.”
Martin Naughton is survived by his wife Carmel, and his children Fiona, Neil, and Fergal. Ardee Post extends its deepest sympathies to the Naughton family at this difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
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