We honour Ron Ireland

THE Far North is mourning the death of successful businessman, benefactor and philanthropist Ron Ireland.

The chairman of the 94-year-old Ireland motor group was one of the city’s leading lights.

For more than 70 years he played a key role in the Holden, HSV, Mitsubishi, Fiat, Chrysler, Alfa Romeo and Isuzu dealership on Mulgrave Rd.

Mr Ireland, who was born in Cairns, had been actively involved in the city’s business community since World War II.

He started his apprenticeship under his father Francis as a 15-yearold.

The business has grown into one of the most successful motor dealerships in Queensland which today is run by sons Richard and David.

In 2004 he was honoured for his outstanding duty to the Cairns community with an honorary doctorate by James Cook University for his community service and “exceptional contributions to the advancement of human wellbeing”.

He was a past president and vicepresident of the Far North Queensland Youth Assistance Fund, a member of the Cairns Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Cairns and Cairns Game Fishing Association, patron of Cairns Motor Speedway and Cairns Orchid Society and a life member of the Endeavour Foundation.

Mr Ireland was given a standing ovation at a dinner in his honour in 2004 attended by more than 200 business, community and civic leaders.

He was recognised for his integrity, generosity, humility and commitment to family.

The region has lost a true gentleman. Nick Dalton nick.dalton@news.com.au