JOHN CAREY, one of the three founders of the Carey Group construction firm, has died.
In a statement, the Carey family confirmed “with great sadness” that he passed away on Sunday, September 22.
“John was a dearly loved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many,” they said in an emotional tribute to the long-standing businessman who hailed from Co. Tipperary.
“He will be greatly missed by his loving family and close friends, whom we ask you to keep in your thoughts and prayers.”
They added: “His departing will leave a void for the family as John was a leader, figurehead and inspiration.
"We know from the many kind words already shared how well respected he was, and we look forward to sharing these with many of you in the coming weeks.
"We, the family, now ask for privacy at this time to allow us to come to terms with this loss.”
Brothers John, Tom and Pat Carey founded their groundworks contracting business in 1969, with just a van between them, having moved to London from their Tipperary hometown Ballyporeen.
The business was then called PJ Carey Plant Hire (Oval) Ltd.
Today the Carey Group delivers an extensive range of engineering, build and construction services for many long-term clients.
It remains a family-run company, with the next generation of Careys now leading the organisation, which is headquartered in Kings Cross.