Tony O’Reilly, the legendary Irish media tycoon and former H.J. Heinz Co boss, passed away at the age of 88 in a Dublin hospital after a brief illness. O’Reilly, who was also known for his record-breaking rugby career, was a prominent figure in Ireland’s business and media landscape for decades.
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris paid tribute to O’Reilly, describing him as a “giant of sports, business, and media” who left a lasting impact on all three fields. O’Reilly’s philanthropic efforts, including the establishment of The Ireland Funds during Northern Ireland’s sectarian violence in the 1970s, were highlighted as having a transformative effect on the island of Ireland.
Born in Dublin in 1936, O’Reilly made a name for himself as a rugby player, earning 29 caps for Ireland and setting records on British and Irish Lions tours in the 1950s. He later ventured into business, creating the successful Kerrygold butter brand and eventually becoming the chairman of H.J. Heinz, where he significantly grew the company’s revenue during his tenure.
Despite his successes, O’Reilly faced financial challenges in later years, with his media empire collapsing during the global financial crisis of 2008. The loss of control over his companies and investments, including the collapse of luxury tableware maker Waterford Wedgwood, marked a downturn in his once-flourishing career.
O’Reilly’s legacy as a trailblazer in sports, business, and media will be remembered by many in Ireland and beyond.