"A highly successful business man who was immensely proud of his Monaghan roots."
Those are just some of the sentiments expressed locally following the death of business stalwart, Gerard 'Gerry' McCaughey. The local entrepreneur was best known for his pioneering work in the construction sector, not only in Monaghan but right across the globe.
Mr McCaughey turned his highly successful 'Century Homes' business from a start-up company in Monaghan into Europe's largest unit producer of off-site structures. Speaking to Northern Sound, Managing Director of Combilift, Martin McVicar described him as a "great mentor" to many local companies.
Although Mr McCaughey relocated to the USA back in 2009, Mr McVicar said that Gerry's home roots were never far from his thoughts following the creation of his global business Entekra, where the head office is based in Monaghan.
"Myself like many people here in the locality were definitely shocked and saddened to hear the news of Gerry's very sudden passing," said Mr McVicar. "As we all know Gerry relocated out to California but he still came back to his roots by setting up the Entekra business here in Co Monaghan where the head office is located."
Meanwhile, Senator Robbie Gallagher described the late Gerry McCaughey as a "great employer" for people in the Monaghan area. Adding that he will be sadly missed by his family and all who know him.
"Even though Gerry was leaving in America, he didn't forget about his home roots. Through Entekra he not only employed local people but was able to take some of them across to America. He will be remembered as a great family man first and foremost and also a great employer here in Monaghan."
Elsewhere, Minister Heather Humphreys also expressed her condolences to the family of Monaghan businessman Gerry McCaughey; "I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of Gerry McCaughey, a pioneering businessman, a gentleman, who will be sorely missed by so many. Gerry was a trailblazer in the business world and recorded extraordinary success on the global stage.
"First and foremost, he was a very proud and committed Monaghan man and the impact he made in Co Monaghan will always be remembered. He was a kind and decent person for whom I got to know well over recent years."
