When I first sat down with Mary Hopkins 35 years ago, she wasn’t yet the prominent business figure she would become — though you could already sense the spark.
At a time when Cork’s business world had very few women in leadership, Mary was undaunted. She planted the seeds of Hopkins Communications in a male-dominated industry, and through her vision, determination, and heart, she grew it into one of the most respected agencies in Cork.
Mary was fiercely proud of being from Ballyhahill, Co Limerick. She started her career in the bank and with Golden Pages before setting out on her own path in communications — a move that would make a big impact on Cork’s business and media landscape.
As one of her very first clients when she started her business with the MetroVision advertising sign on St Patrick’s Bridge (if anyone remembers that), we weathered many storms together — recessions, shifting markets, technological revolutions.
Mary was always thinking ahead and, over time, our relationship grew far beyond business. In every phone call and meeting, she was as much a friend as a trusted professional — always listening, always problem-solving, always generous with ideas.
She helped shape our story with infectious enthusiasm and was instrumental in the success of Barry & Fitzwilliam and our drinks brands. But more than that, she celebrated our milestones as if they were her own. That spirit carries on today through her children Mark and Judy, and through our own family, who continue to work side by side.
Mary combined ambition with empathy, and drive with generosity. She built Hopkins Communications not just with strategy and vision, but with heart and loyalty, creating relationships that lasted a lifetime.
Her warmth extended well beyond her clients. She was a mentor to so many — offering guidance that was sometimes tough, always honest, and unfailingly generous. I watched her open doors for people who never thought they could step through them. She held people to high standards, but she also believed fiercely in their potential — often before they believed it themselves.
Mary was fiercely proud of being from Ballyhahill, Co Limerick. She started her career in the bank and with Golden Pages before setting out on her own path in communications — a move that would make a big impact on Cork’s business and media landscape. File picture
Beyond her business brilliance, Mary had a remarkable love of life and of fun. She adored West Cork — the rugged coastline, the sea air, the sense of escape.
She loved sailing, and her eyes would sparkle when she described a day on the water. She fundraised tirelessly for the RNLI. She loved to write — letters, stories, ideas — always with that creative fire that made her such a gifted communicator. And she loved planning her next adventure with her husband Dave — from new destinations to a drink in Bushes Bar — anything for a shared laugh together. She truly had a zest for life.
I feel an immense loss for a friend whose presence could light up any room. But I also feel deep gratitude. Thanks to Mary, I learned what true partnership means, and what real friendship is.
My deepest sympathies to Dave, Mark, and Judy, her twin Norma, and sisters Anne, Elaine, and Bridget, her grandchildren, her colleagues at Hopkins Communications, and all who loved her. We have lost a remarkable woman. Mary was forever writing poems, so I’ll leave you with this Mary original:
Where have we gone, I ask myself?
Gone is the morning chat with saucy tales of the night before.
Gone is the eye-to-eye contact that tells its own story and maybe opens that invisible door.
De-sensitised by technology while catastrophic tragedies explode in the world around us Like robots we forge ahead — no feeling, no excitement — just bla bla bland.
Where have we gone?
Where is our soul?
I’m reminded of legend Dale Carnegie’s words of wisdom:
‘We are evaluated and classified by these four contacts:
What we do How we look What we say And how we say it.’
Rest in peace, Mary Hopkins.
Michael Barry is managing director of drinks wholesale company Barry & Fitzwilliam
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