Tributes across Wexford for former councillor and businessman Robbie Ireton hailed as ‘community man to his fingertips'

Widespread tributes have been made across Wexford following the death of a well-regarded former county councillor and businessman. Robert Ireton, known to many as Robbie, of Courtown Harbour and formerly Knockavota Gorey, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 11, surrounded by his loving family in the care of staff at Wexford General Hospital. Beloved husband of Mary, Robbie was a loving father to his children, Ellen, Katherina, Joseph, Robert and Thomas - family was at its core for Robbie. He has also been remembered for his service to Courtown, Riverchapel and the wider community, serving as a Labour Party representative at Wexford County Council for many years. Although Robbie has been remembered as a public representative 'long before he was ever elected.' He is also remembered fondly in the community for his well-known family run business, Seamount Mobile Home Park in Courtown, one of the oldest parks of its kind in the country. Involved in the caravan park from a very young age, Robbie also found work away from the park, with one venture including selling donkey rides at Courtown beach. Not long after, he spent some time as a motor mechanic in Percival's Motors in Gorey. He then built haysheds for some time, before moving on to the Fert Factory in Arklow, and later became service manager with PMPA in Arklow for several years. The late Robbie Ireton with former Labour Leader Brendan Howlin. Most regarded for his time in the world of politics, his career started early, becoming a member of the Labour Party in 1972, where Robbie quickly became active in several campaigns in the community including fighting to save Gorey District Hospital. He also fought to save the ESB office in Gorey, which unfortunately didn't succeed. In June 2010, Robbie was elected as the new Cathaoirleach of Gorey Town Council, marking a milestone achievement, as he became the first Labour councillor to chair the Council in almost 30 years. He was later elected to serve as Leas-Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council in 2012. Following his passing, Wexford Labour expressed their condolences to Robbie's family, where they said they lost a giant of Labour. 'Robbie Ireton was a quintessentially decent person who lived his life in the true sense of community,' they said. 'A man who did so much for his neighbours, his community, his county and indeed anyone who was in need of assistance. 'He was a wonderful family man who tonight are suffering the pain of his loss. The entire Labour family grieve with you at this time,' a spokesperson said. Labour TD for Wexford George Lawlor with the late Robbie Ireton. Labour TD for Wexford, George Lawlor also shared his sympathies and described Robbie as a 'true friend and comrade. 'Robbie Ireton was a man who was a public representative long before he was ever elected. 'A loyal, honourable and committed councillor who gave so much to his home area of Courtown in particular,' Deputy Lawlor said. In the 1980s, Robbie was one of the founding members of the Gorey Unemployment Centre, as he wanted to create a space for people to know their rights and what they were entitled to, at a time when unemployment was running high. In 2022, Robbie was honoured with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the Gorey Awards, to honour his decades of service to the Riverchapel and Courtown communities. Robbie was heavily involved in Courtown Community Council over the years, helping carry out improvement works around Courtown, where his digger was often called upon to help with works when funding for contractors wasn't available. Courtown Riverchapel Community Development Group (formerly Courtown Community Council) also gave sympathies to the Ireton family on the passing of Robbie, where they praised his years of service for the area. 'Robbie was a consistent voice for Courtown and Riverchapel, raising local issues and engaging directly with the concerns of residents over many years,' they said. Local community group, Vision for Courtown and Riverchapel also paid tribute to Robbie and his contributions to the area as councillor. 'Throughout his years in public life, and through his wider community involvement, Robbie was a committed advocate for the area and its people. 'A friend, neighbour and true Harbour man, he gave generously of his time and energy to the community he cared deeply about. His warmth, good humour and contribution to community life will be remembered by many, and his service has left a lasting mark on Courtown and Riverchapel,' a member said. The late Robbie Ireton. Wicklow-Wexford TD Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin paid tribute to Robbie's legacy, describing him as a champion for the underdogs in the area. 'A decent and charitable man who championed Courtown, community and the underdog, and also never forgot those elderly Wexford people living in London who had fallen on hard times,' he said. Wicklow-Wexford TD Malcom Byrne also paid tribute to Robbie, praising his commitment to supporting the emigrant community as a supporter of the London-Wexford association. 'It was a privilege to serve on Wexford County Council with the late Robbie Ireton. He had a passion for North Wexford and particularly for Courtown Harbour, where he ran his business for many years,' Deputy Byrne said. Following his passing, loved ones have taken to social media to pay tribute and share memories of Robbie on social media and RIP.ie. One mourner wrote: 'He was an absolute gentleman and a great community worker. He was so committed to improving Courtown over the years and will be sadly missed.' Another wrote: 'Robbie was such a committed Labour man. A community man to his fingertips and someone who could always be relied on to stand with you in a battle. He was great company and I remember many great days of canvassing with him.' Funeral mass for Robbie Ireton will take place at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, Riverchapel on Saturday, August 15 at 1 p.m. followed by burial in St. Michael's Cemetery Gorey. Robbie will be sadly missed by his wife, sons, daughters, brother, sisters, mother-in-law Mary, his adored grandchildren, extended family, relatives, neighbours and the wider community.