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."

The Tánaiste has said he is "saddened to learn of the passing of Tony O'Reilly".

Micheál Martin described him as "a pioneering spirit who had an extraordinary impact on Irish business, sport, media and society."

"Through the Ireland Funds, Tony changed the global narrative on peace and reconciliation on this island," he added.

The Irish Rugby Football Union posted on X: "A legend of the game has passed. Our deepest sympathies to his family and friends."

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 unraveled 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