Remembering Colm McLoughlin: A Pioneer of Dubai Duty Free and Beloved Family Man
Announcement of Colm McLoughlin’s Passing
The family sadly announces the death of Colm McLoughlin at age 81. Colm served as the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free. He passed away on October 30th after a brief illness in the UK. Colm was born in Ballinasloe, County Galway.
In 1960, Colm began his retail career in London with Woolworths. He later returned to Ireland and lived in Ennis, County Clare, working for Shannon Duty Free.
Colm was a key figure in the global duty-free industry. He led Dubai Duty Free from a $20 million operation in 1983 to over $2 billion in revenue by 2024. The company has won over 700 awards, highlighting its success in retail.
Colm received nearly 100 personal awards, including the Dubai Government Excellence Award for ‘Most Distinguished Employee’ and the ‘Irish Presidential Distinguished Service Award’ in Business and Education. He held an Honorary Doctorate from Middlesex University Dubai. Recently, he was recognized as one of the 100 RetailME ICONS in the Middle East. In 2004, he founded the Dubai Duty Free Foundation, supporting 119 charities.
Colm is survived by his wife Breeda, children Tyna, Niall, and Amanda, sister Muire, brother Feidlim, son-in-law Michael, daughter-in-law Sherly, grandchildren Èrin and Ethan, and many friends and family. He will be remembered for his warm personality, kindness, and generosity.
Funeral Arrangements
- Wednesday, November 20: Reposing at Kennedy’s Funeral Home, Ennis, County Clare, from 5:30 PM. Transfer to Saints Peter & Paul Cathedral, Ennis, at 7:30 PM.
- Thursday, November 21: Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM at Saints Peter & Paul Cathedral, Ennis. Burial in Illaunamanagh Cemetery, Shannon, County Clare. Family flowers only, please. Donations can be made to Smile Train, a charity Colm supported.
Colm’s Funeral Mass can be viewed live at:
For condolences, please contact Kennedy’s Funeral Directors or send messages to the family via email.
Further Inquiries: Kennedy’s Funeral Directors, Ennis, at (065) 682 8120.