McLOUGHLIN, Colm

McLOUGHLIN - Colm, Dubai Duty Free’s long-time Executive Vice Chairman and CEO who retired in May 2024 after over 55 years in the Duty Free industry, passed on October 30, 2024, after a short illness in the UK. Colm was born in Ballinasloe, County Galway. In 1960 he travelled to London and began his retailing career working for high-street chain Woolworths, before moving back to his native Ireland. He was a long term resident of Ennis, County Clare while working for Shannon Duty Free. In his position as General Manager of Shannon Duty Free, Colm was one of a team of ten from Aer Rianta (the Irish Airport Authority) who moved to Dubai in 1983 at the request of the Dubai Government, to set up Dubai Duty Free. Colm had received almost 100 personal awards including the Dubai Government Excellence Award for ‘Most Distinguished Employee’ and the ‘Irish Presidential Distinguished Service Award’ in the Business and Education category. He also received an Honorary Doctorate from Middlesex University Dubai. Recently, Colm was named as one of the 100 Retail ME ICONS in Middle East region. Colm also established the Dubai Duty Free Foundation in 2004 and was very proud of the work that was done to support 119 local and international charities. Colm will be sadly missed by his wife Breeda, children Tyna, Niall and Amanda, sister Muire and brother Feidlim, son-in-law Michael, daughter-in-law Sherly, grandchildren Èrin and Ethan and other relatives, work colleagues, friends and neighbours. May his gentle soul Rest In Peace. Funeral Arrangements: Reposing at Kennedy’s Funeral Home, Ennis, County Clare, Ireland (Post code V95 HE36) on Wednesday, November 20, from 5.30 o’ clock with transfer to Saints Peter & Paul Cathedral, Ennis (Post code V95 D951) at 7.30 o’ clock. Funeral Mass on Thursday, November 21, at 11.00 o’ clock at Saints Peter & Paul Cathedral, Ennis. Burial afterwards in Illaunamanagh Cemetery, Shannon, County Clare. Family flowers only, please. Donations, if desired, to the www.smiletrain.org