John Cusack:John Cusack, founder of Cusack Homes and the Cusack Hotel Group of Co Meath, has died aged 56 after a short illness. His successes in property and hospitality in Ireland were matched by international business interests.
A native of Co Meath, John Cusack's principal business interests were in his own county. His father was a farmer who looked after the farm of Ben Dunne snr as well as his own land. John had different ideas and went to train as a carpenter, much to the disapproval of his father.
However, he soon mastered the craft and started his own construction business at the age of 21.
One of his earliest forays into the hospitality industry was back in the 1970s, as owner of The Cusack Stand pub in Kildalkey, Co Meath. It was a popular hostelry during his five years at the helm, having made the brave decision to purchase it at 26 years of age.
Legend has it that John had to borrow a pair of black shoes when meeting the bank manager to discuss a business loan to buy the pub. After a day working on the building sites, John worked in the bar at night and at weekends and loved the trade.
John Cusack developed the Newgrange and Ardboyne hotels in Navan and also ran the Castle Arch Hotel and the recently opened Knightsbrook Hotel & Golf Resort in Trim, a 130-bedroomed hotel on a 186-acre Christy O'Connor-designed golf course.
He founded Cusack Homes in 1974, which has built an excellent reputation as leaders in their field.
Under his guidance, Cusack Homes have been responsible for a large amount of quality property development throughout Ireland including Abbey View and Castle Close in Trim; Limekiln Hall, Limekiln Woods and Herbert Place in Navan; Knightsbrook in Trim and a major development in Tullamore, Co Offaly, of more than 400 homes in Norbury Woods and Eiscir Meadows.
John Cusack was in the building trade simply because he loved it, according to family members. Carpentry and construction were a particular passion. Despite his success in business, he remained a grounded man whose sole interest was in his family.
John also loved music, particularly traditional Irish music. He also was an avid horse-racing enthusiast. John and Marie Cusack (nee McNally) had been due to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary next month, and he was devoted to their family.
The Knightsbrook Hotel & Golf Resort was opened on April 20th following which, his health declined.
John Cusack is survived by his wife Marie, daughters Denise, Aoife and Kate, his son Jonathan and, iaddition to his immediate family, by his brother Laurence and sisters Kay, Rita, Rosaleen, Joan and Laura.
John Cusack: died May 15th, 2007