Media 2012 Press Releases

Michael Cunningham RIP - 5/3/2012

It is with great sorrow that we learned of the death of Michael Cunningham, former Group Head of Environment and MD of Environmental & Planning Ireland.  As a sign of respect, the Irish environmental offices will be closed on March 6th 2012. May he rest in peace.  

Our great friend and colleague, Michael Cunningham passed away on Saturday night last after a long battle with cancer.  Throughout this period Michael carried himself with great dignity and fortitude, was always positive and never burdened his friends or colleagues with his own troubles.  This was the mark of the man who was always helpful and supportive of others while expecting nothing in return.  Those who knew Michael will remember him fondly and with great respect.

He was born and brought up in the small townland of Fawnlion in Co. Leitrim in the northwest of Ireland and came from an agricultural background. He was always proud of these roots and never lost his connection with home. Part of him was always a proud sheep farmer from Leitrim.  Spring was always a busy time, coordinating lambing while running a busy environmental business.

Michael graduated as an environmental scientist from Sligo RTC and started his first real job with Kevin T. Cullen & Co. Ltd (KTC) 22 years ago. Kevin Cullen recognised Michael’s talents and made him a partner in KTC before it became part of WYG.  Subsequently Michael continued his career rise from MD of Environment in Ireland, eventually rising to Group Head of Environment in WYG.

Whether Michael was in the office or travelling to a business meeting, everything would be put on hold to take a phonecall from his girls. Always the proud and loving father and husband, nothing was more important to him than his family.  All of us who knew Michael feel a great loss at his passing and will remember him fondly.

While Michael was very successful in business and rose to the top of his profession, he never changed. He was always Michael Cunningham from Leitrim, loving husband, proud father, colleague and dear friend.  Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife Nicola, his daughters Niamh and Anna, his mother, sisters and friends.

Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis