The death has occurred of the businessman Tony O’Reilly (88), who made a fortune as chief executive and chairman of the US food company, Heinz, and used his wealth to invest in Irish companies including Waterford Glass and the Independent group. A family spokesman said that he died on Saturday in St Vincent’s hospital in Dublin after a short illness. In 1969 he became the head of Heinz in the UK, and two years later moved to Pittsburgh to take on the role of senior vice-president with that corporation. On the eve of the poll, the Irish Independent ran a front-page editorial headed “Payback Time” which attacked the outgoing government and backed Fianna Fáil and Bertie Ahern, who emerged as taoiseach. O’Reilly is survived by his sons Cameron, Gavin and Tony jnr, and daughters Susie, Justine and Caroline.

Source: The Irish Times May 19, 2024 16:27 UTC