Statement from the Taoiseach on the passing of Tony O’Reilly

"It is with great sadness that I have learned of the death of Tony O’Reilly.

"Mr O’Reilly was a giant of sport, business and media and left permanent legacies in all three.

"He was a trailblazer who aimed big on the international business scene. Through his work in the UK, US and Ireland he forged a path that many other international business figures from Ireland would follow.

"Modern day Ireland likes to see itself as an island in the centre of the world - Tony O’Reilly was one of the first Irish businesspeople to truly believe that.

"In a life so varied it is hard to focus on one area, however Tony O’Reilly’s founding of the Ireland Funds with the late Dan Rooney had a transformative effect on the island of Ireland.

"The Ireland Funds is an example of peace and reconciliation done brilliantly from the ground up in communities. It has been one of the largest donors to our shared island and the cause of peace and is still going strong. I know Mr O’Reilly was enormously proud of the funds.

"Tony O’Reilly was a giant and his passing will be felt by the many people he encountered in his long life.

"My thoughts are especially with his children and grandchildren at this sad time."