The Irish Rugby Football Union has paid tribute to a “legend of the game”, with Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister saying Sir Tony had an “exceptional impact on Irish business, sport, media and society”.
Saturday 18 May 2024 22:38 UK
Sir Tony O’Reilly, former Irish rugby player and one of the country’s leading businessmen, has died aged 88.
Sir Tony, who was also a media mogul, died at St Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin on Saturday.
The Irish Rugby Football Union posted on X: “A legend of the game has passed away.
“Our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris paid tribute to the “pioneer” who “paved a path that many other international business figures from Ireland would follow”.
A statement from Sir Tony’s family said: “In the coming days there will be many fitting tributes to Tony O’Reilly’s unique and extraordinary achievements in business and sport.
“As well as his extraordinary philanthropic vision, best exemplified by the creation of the Irish Foundations at a dark time in the island’s history.
“But he was a very beloved father and grandfather to us.
“He lived one of the most remarkable lives and we were fortunate to spend time with him in his final weeks as this great life drew to a close.”
Born in Dublin in 1936, Sir Tony made his debut for Ireland in 1955 and soon became the youngest player to be selected for the British Lions, a team made up of players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
In his business career, he pioneered the dairy brand Kerrygold, developing it into one of Ireland’s most recognized global consumer brands.
Sir Tony later became chairman of food giant Heinz and in 1973 took control of Independent Newspapers, publisher of the Irish Independent, Sunday Independent and Evening Herald.
He was also known for his philanthropy, setting up The Ireland Funds, which gave money from US donors to reconciliation projects around the Irish border.
Sir Tony, who held joint Irish and British citizenship, was knighted in 2001 in the New Year Honors by the late Queen Elizabeth II “for long and distinguished service to Northern Ireland”.
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Mr Harris said: “It is with great sadness that I have learned of the death of Tony O’Reilly.
“Mr O’Reilly was a giant of sports, business and media and left an everlasting legacy in all three.
“He was a trailblazer who strived on the international business scene.
“Through his work in the UK, USA and Ireland, he blazed a trail that many other international business figures from Ireland would follow.
“Today’s Ireland likes to see itself as an island at the center of the world – Tony O’Reilly was one of the first Irish businessmen to really believe that.”
Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister Michael Martin wrote on X: “I am saddened to learn of the passing of Tony O’Reilly, a pioneering spirit who had a tremendous impact on Irish business, sport, media and society.
“Through the Irish Foundations, Tony changed the global narrative of peace and reconciliation on this island.
“My deepest condolences to his children, family and friends.”
Sir Tony leaves behind six children.