Kilkenny Obituary: Michael Madden, Newtown Villa, Bonnettstown

A true gentleman with a big smile, a kind heart, a gentle soul and an insatiable love of motor cars is how Michael Madden will be remembered.

Devoted husband of Suzanne, much-loved brother of Maura, cherished son of the late Edward and Mary Madden and treasured friend of many, Michael Madden left an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew and loved him.

Raised on a dairy farm in Bonnettstown on the outskirts of Kilkenny City, Michael displayed an interest in cars from a young age. His prowess for business was obvious and he started out in the motor industry as a young man, working hard and also striving to expand into new areas.

The popular Kilkenny businessman died in October following a short illness. Michael founded Madden Car Sales, along with a successful breakers yard and was renowned locally, nationally and internationally for his love of supercars.

Michael started selling cars and by the 1990s he was one of the largest importers of Japanese cars. He set up a company in Japan around 30 years ago to bring cars over to Ireland, becoming the first car dealer in Ireland to bring in Japanese exports on a large scale.

Michael Madden lived life according to his own rules and worked hard, always thinking of new and different ways to operate his business.

In the late 1990s he went to China and was one of the first people to bring in electric bicycles to Ireland along with quad bikes and e-scooters.

Michael loved supercars from a young age and this passion remained with him throughout his life - he was a familiar sight in his orange McLaren on the streets of Kilkenny.

Heavily involved in the Cannonball events, Michael was an integral part of the supercar scene in Ireland and abroad. He worked tirelessly on behalf of the many charities the Cannonball supports including Barretstown, a charity that supports children and their families living with cancer and other serious illnesses.

In a fitting tribute, cannonballers from all over Ireland travelled to Kilkenny to take part in a guard of honour at his funeral at St Canice’s Church.

After enjoying a fulfilling career Michael had planned to step back and enjoy his retirement with his wife Suzanne and a wide circle of family and friends. Sadly he died before this happened.

Future plans had included a memoir with a working title From Cows to Cars reflecting how from an early age his interest moved from four-legged animals to vehicles with four wheels and to race at Mondello Park!

Although Michael died at a relatively young age, he lived a life full of love and passion and although he travelled all over the world he was happiest at home with his family pottering around in his garden.

He is survived by his wife Suzanne, sister Maura, mother-in-law Rita, sisters-in-law Yvonne and Olivia, brothers-in-law Victor and David, nieces Zoe and Raya, nephews Oscar and Kalle, extended family and a wide circle of friends.

May he rest in peace.