Death of Nenagh businessman Noel Duggan
The death occurred yesterday of local businessman Noel Duggan, founder of the popular Steeples café in Nenagh.
Noel headed successful school supplies business EEC Direct, which was established in the late 1980s, specialising in the provision of educational resources and equipment to schools throughout Ireland. The Toomevara-based business provided everything from school furniture to textbooks and PE equipment, and created a lot of employment locally.
Noel was also something of a green energy pioneer and was as early as 2010 involved in plans to set up bio-refinery and research & development facility at Ballymackey. The project was based on a new technology developed by a Germany company to produce insulation, bio-plastics and even renewable electricity for the national grid, though unfortunately it failed to materialise as planned.
In 2013, Noel and his wife Bridget purchased Shanbally House and Gardens at Norwood. They restored the Georgian estate to its former glory and created there a site of traditional and spiritual healing, along with an organic farm and herb growing facility.
In 2015, they opened the unique Steeples (Books and More) café at O’Rahilly St in Nenagh, and it has remained one of the town’s most popular cafés ever since.
Noel, of Glebe House Kylisk, Toomevara, died peacefully, surrounded by his family, in the care of the staff of Milford Hospice. Deeply regretted by his loving wife Bridget, son William & daughter Kate. Predeceased by his beloved parents Bill & Bridget his brother Tony and sister Mary. Survived by his brothers Liam, Paschal, Tom & Sean and his sister Margaret (McLoughlin), brother in law, sisters in law. His loyal friend Kenzie, nieces & nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.
May Noel Rest In Peace
Reposing in St Joseph's Church, Ballinree (E45 WF83) this Friday from 5 o'c to 7 o'c. Livestream of the mass can be viewed on https://www.facebook.com/JJ-Ryan-Funeral-Undertakers-101669998946629
His Requiem mass takes place on Saturday at 11 o'c. Burial afterwards in the Church Grounds. House Strictly Private At All Times.