Tullamore mourns passing of founder of Charleville Castle Heritage Trust

THE death has taken place of the man long associated with restoration work on the historic Charleville Castle outside Tullamore.

In 1994, the late Dudley Stewart and his partner Bridget (Bonnie) Vance founded the Charleville Castle Heritage Trust to restore the world-famous building to its former glory.

Volunteers from all over Ireland and many parts of the world worked on restoring the castle which in latter years became a popular location for a number of blockbuster films.

He was also the driving force behind the establishment of the Offaly Regeneration Company, which now trades successfully as Midland Science.

Dudley was also deeply involved in many community initiatives in his adopted Offaly including the Phoenix Festival in Tullamore.

From a well-known family, Dudley – whose brother is the environmentalist and TV presenter Duncan - passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 4, at the Midland Regional Hospital Regional Hospital Tullamore

Pre-deceased by his parents John and Sheila, he will be sadly missed by his loving partner Bridget (Bonnie) and his family Katie, Síle, Michael, Dervla, Saoirse and Constance, Reggie (mother of Síle and Saoirse), grandchildren Kristen, Erik and Benjamin, his brothers Duncan and Ercus, sisters Birgitta, Julitta and Yvette, brothers in law, sisters in law, nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends

His remains will repose at Charleville Castle on Saturday from 4pm until 7pm. A humanist service for Dudley will take place at the castle on Sunday afternoon at 1pm, after which he will be laid to rest in Clonmimch Cemetery, Tullamore.

Dudley was an experienced Managing Director with a demonstrated history of working in the renewables and environment industry.

He was skilled in negotiation, sustainable development, business planning, entrepreneurship, and sales management.

In partnership with a university in the United States, he founded the third level Quest Campus in the 1990s which was based at Charleville Castle.

In 1994 he also founded the Charleville Castle Heritage Trust which continues to be a voluntary, not-for-profit organisation. He managed the Trust with Bonnie and a team of core volunteers.

Volunteers from different countries including France, Canada, the United States of America and the United Kingdom, and other parts of Ireland help at the castle. The aims are the restoration and sustainable conservation of the building.

The underlying concepts; hope, belief in the future, and humanity - on the frontiers of civilization, were the inspiration behind the desire to build the castle. These concepts are the heritage of the Charleville Castle.

In an online tribute a spokesperson for the Trust writes: “It is with profound sadness that Charleville Castle Heritage Trust shares the news of the passing of Dudley Stewart.

For decades, Dudley devoted his life to the care, protection and future of Charleville Castle. His vision, determination and deep love for this place helped safeguard one of Ireland's great heritage sites and inspired generations of volunteers, visitors and friends from around the world.

To those of us who had the privilege of working alongside him, Dudley was far more than a trustee. He was a mentor, a guardian of this place, and for many, a father figure. His wisdom, generosity, humour and unwavering belief in the importance of protecting our shared heritage left an enduring mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

His legacy lives on in these walls, in the ancient woods he cherished, and in the community he helped build around Charleville. Every stone cared for, every story shared, and every visitor welcomed stands as part of that legacy.

Our heartfelt condolences are with Dudley's family, friends, former volunteers, colleagues, and all whose lives he touched.

As we mourn his passing, we also give thanks for a life lived in service to something greater than himself. The greatest tribute we can offer Dudley is to continue caring for Charleville with the same generosity, curiosity and hope that he showed throughout his life.

Rest in peace, Dudley.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam”

The castle and the neighbouring estate hosted the Tullamore Show for many years and the World Sheepdog Trials 20 years ago.

Many tributes have been paid to Dudley on RIP.ie

One reads: "Dudley was a man of great foresight and innovation. I had the privilege of working with him on some very innovative climate, environmental, and energy projects, including the Horizon 2020 Smart city project in Limerick."

Another says: "Thank you Dudley (& Bonnie), for the amazing years I spent at the castle volunteering. I made true friends there. I was saddened to hear about Dudley's passing. He was a wonderful man, always on hand, and encouraging people. He will be sadly missed."

Another post says: "His innovative spirit, kindness and generosity will stay with us for ever."