Businessman Tony O'Reilly dies aged 88 after short illness

Businessman Tony O'Reilly has died in Dublin following a short illness.

He was aged 88.

A spokesperson said Mr O'Reilly was surrounded by family members when he passed away in St Vincent's Hospital today.

In a statement, Mr O'Reilly’s family said: "In the coming days there will be many worthy tributes made to Tony O’Reilly’s unique and extraordinary achievements in the fields of business and sport.

"As well as his extraordinary philanthropic vision which was best evidenced by the establishment of the Ireland Funds at a dark time in this island’s history.

"But, for us, he was a dearly-loved dad and a granddad. He lived one of the great lives and we were fortunate to spend time with him in recent weeks as that great life drew to a close."

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Mr O'Reilly was a widely respected marketeer who invented Kerrygold butter, a sporting hero with an unrivalled rugby record and a philanthropist.

His business interests spanned newspapers, food, crystal, oil exploration, telecoms and television distribution.

Ultimately his empire unravelled but at home and abroad the corporate world is still dotted with companies he started, grew or acquired.

He will always be considered one of Ireland's leading business figures.

Tony O’Reilly was born in Dublin in 1936.

He was educated in the Jesuit school Belvedere College where his rugby prowess quickly shone.

Aged 18 he made his international debut as a centre against France in 1955.

That same year he became the youngest-ever player selected for the British and