Tributes paid to Cork business leader Frank Boland on his death
Frank Boland, former president of Cork Chamber. Picture: Dan Linehan
Tributes have been paid to Cork businessman Frank Boland, who died on Monday.
Mr Boland had a long-lasting and significant career crossing a number of sectors and active involvement on the boards of a number of semi-State bodies. A former president of Cork Chamber, he received the Outstanding Contribution to Business Award from the organisation in 2018.
Based on the Mallow Road in Cork, Mr Boland developed a commercial vehicle distribution business which was incorporated in 1967 and evolved to become Ireland’s first truck and van rental company.
He served as a director and chairman of British and Irish Steam Packet company, a non-executive director of Aer Lingus and Chairman of Aer Rianta. He served on the boards of Beamish and Crawford, Ivernia Exploration and Cork Communications.
He was also a member of the Cork Harbour Commissioners since 1974 and served as its chairman twice before becoming the first chairman of the Port of Cork Company in 2002.
Mr Boland was also a shareholder and board member of Swansea-Cork Ferries. He was appointed a commissioner of Irish Lights in 1995 and during his period as chairman which finished in 2008, new headquarters for the organisation were built in Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin.
He acted as president of Cork Chamber in 1992 and 1993 and helped set up the Cork Enterprise Board. He played a role in Cork’s 800th birthday celebrations and the city’s hosting of a stage of the Cutty Sark Tall Ships race.
He pioneered a series of marketing initiatives focused on inward investment, the attraction of international students to UCC and CIT and the development of historical walking tours of Cork City.
In the latter phase of his career, his business interests were focused on property development.
Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber, said it was with a heavy heart they acknowledged the passing of Mr Boland. "A figure whose influence in both the business realm and civic leadership has left an indelible mark on Cork," he said.
"Frank's extensive and meaningful contributions, spanning from the success of his own business ventures to his dedicated service as president and longstanding member of Cork Chamber, have shaped the business landscape and social fabric of Cork.
"His active involvement on the boards of key semi-State companies further attests to the breadth of his impact, making him an admirable advocate not only for Cork but also for Ireland as a whole.
"The void left by Frank's absence will be keenly felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Our deepest condolences go out to Mary, and Frank's children John, Mary, Frankie and Kevin, and the entire extended family, as we mourn the loss of a remarkable individual who touched the lives of many.”
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