Clive Rowen, widely known as the ‘godfather’ of Irish skateboarding, has died suddenly, his family and the Dublin skate community announced. The news leaves his relatives and generations of skaters heartbroken.
- Fast Facts:
- Name: Clive Rowen — pioneer of Irish skate culture
- Career highlight: Opened Ireland’s first dedicated skate shop, Clive’s on Hill Street, in 1978
- Recent: Retired from Skate City when the shop closed in January 2024; passing described as “very sudden”
- Survived by his wife Laura, children and grandchildren
The Legacy
Clive Rowen was instrumental in building Ireland’s skate scene. His top achievements include:
- Opening Clive’s on Hill Street in 1978 — widely regarded as Ireland’s first dedicated skateboarding shop and a hub for young skaters.
- Growing the community: Rowen built ramps, mentored skaters and helped launch a generation of Irish talent; his Hill Street shop became a cultural meeting point.
- International impact: He helped bring skating icons, including convincing Tony Hawk’s team to demonstrate in Dun Laoghaire in the 1990s, and featured in the documentary Hill Street about the scene he helped create.
Social Proof: Reactions and Tributes
Skate City — the Temple Bar shop closely associated with Rowen — posted an emotional tribute on Instagram calling him “our beautiful hero, the patriarch of our family, world’s best husband, father, grandfather and most importantly our best friend Clive Rowen.”
Comments from the skate community poured in: one fan wrote, “God bless you Clive you absolute hero, you will be missed by us all dearly. Thanks for the memories and everything you’ve done for all of us skateboarding in Ireland.” Photographer Rich Gilligan added, “Rest easy Clive. Thanks for giving so much to the skate community in Ireland — the first time I walked through the doors of Hill Street was completely transformative.”
Across social posts and nearly 150 comments, Rowen was remembered as “a national treasure,” “an absolute legend and a hero,” and “a beautiful man.” His sibling Peter Rowen — who appeared on the cover of U2’s album Boy — confirmed the death, saying it was “very sudden and completely unexpected” and that the family is heartbroken.
Rowen retired when Skate City closed in January 2024 but remained active in the community, posting tributes to fellow skaters as recently as December. He leaves behind his wife Laura, children and grandchildren. Memorial details have not been announced.
Image Referance: https://www.thesun.ie/news/16374511/godfather-irish-skating-clive-rowen-dies-tributes/