Tom Delahunt:TOM DELAHUNT, of Seafield House, Three-Mile-Water, Co Wicklow, who has died aged 83, devoted most of his working life to improving the economic welfare of his beloved Wicklow town for the benefit of the community.
He was just 21 when he took over the family business, SV Delahunt Company, on the death of his father, and expanded it greatly, employing over 200 people at its peak.
He also followed in his late father’s footsteps in his commitment to public service and, like him, was elected to Wicklow’s Urban Council. Indeed he probably set a record when, on his first day in the council chamber in 1960, he was elected chairman. He held that post for the 10 unbroken years he served on the council. And throughout that decade, despite overtures from the main political parties, he remained an Independent. Another novel feature was that in the two election campaigns he fought, Tom put up just four election posters on each occasion!
During that period too, with the support of his late wife, Annette, he was instrumental in securing two major business enterprises in Wicklow – Veha Ltd and Celmac Ltd – which provided significant employment for the town.
Tom’s commitment to public life, and the development of the natural resources of the country, was also underlined by his membership of the Eastern Regional Tourist Board, his chairmanship of Wicklow’s Chamber of Commerce and the town’s Harbour Board.
Tom was also a director of Bord Gáis and served as chairman of the Central Fisheries Board, as well as being a member of the Salmon Research Council. His involvement in developing the country’s fisheries also reflected a passionate interest in angling, and he enjoyed nothing better on his days away from the office than fishing his beloved stretch of the River Slaney.
His commitment to the social and sporting life of his home town was also reflected in his trusteeship of both Wicklow’s Lawn Tennis Club and Wicklow Sailing Club. And in his very busy career he also served as president of the Wicklow Lifeboat, as well as terms as president of Wicklow Golf Club and captain of Blainroe Golf Club.
He was also a keen supporter of Rotary and helped set up its Wicklow branch.
At his funeral, following a long illness, the esteem in which Tom Delahunt was held was reflected not only in the packed congregation of St Patrick’s Church, Wicklow, but the presence of many local people who worked for him, some of them for 40 years and more. He is survived by his son Sylvester, and four daughters, Mary, Aisling, Katherine and Ann.
Tom Delahunt: born February 11th, 1927; died May 12th, 2010