Tony O’Reilly, a renowned entrepreneur and former sportsman, was known for his ambition, loyalty, and deep family ties, as highlighted during his funeral service in Dublin. His three sons, Gavin, Cameron, and Tony, honoured their father with heartfelt tributes at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Donnybrook, a gathering attended by numerous admirers from the realms of politics, business, media, and sports.
Remembering a conversation they had 18 months prior, Tony Jr. stated his father felt his life had been fulfilling and remarkable. Cameron described his father’s life as one unbounded by limits, which became evident from his early years at Belvedere College. This set him up for not only a successful rugby career, one that saw him shine at the national level and with the Lions, but also for an extraordinary business career.
Gavin spoke about how the complexities of his father’s childhood in Ireland, being born to unmarried parents and the stigma attached, had fostered in him a strong value for the friendships and relationships cultivated both in the sports and business worlds. He praised his father’s generosity, both publicly and through personal gestures that truly defined his character. According to Gavin, his father also had other lesser-known interests, such as his love for art, history, and a curious interest in politicians rather than politics.
More than anything, he suggested that his father’s work on the Ireland Funds may be his most enduring lineage. Despite many others leaving Ireland permanently, O’Reilly always maintained his connection with his birthplace. This project provided a vital platform for those abroad, particularly in the United States, to support Ireland peacefully, representing a stark contrast from the violent, fundraising methods usually adopted.
In spite of any opinions about Tony O’Reilly’s intentions, it’s evident that he savoured every moment of his life. Well-known as a rugby legend, entrepreneur, and benefactor, Tony O’Reilly’s rich narrative prompts questions about his enduring influence.
Tony’s recollections of his father depict a man of ambition and achievement, whose commitments often saw him away from home. Integral to his father’s memories were excursions to local supermarkets during family holidays to evaluate the presence of Heinz, a company he led from 1987, and its business rivals.
Reliving the craziness of their Dublin residence, Tony painted a picture of a home largely orchestrated by their mother, Susan, while their father seldom contributed to domestic work. Despite this, he was adamant about the fact that they weren’t grumbling about their situation. As per Tony, their private family remembrance ceremony in the upcoming months, attended by all 23 grandchildren, would provide an opportunity to reminisce about their exceptional grandfather.
Tony’s daughter, Justine Still-O’Reilly, recalled her father’s cherished poem – ‘If’ by Rudyard Kipling. Tony’s solidarity towards fellow humans was noted by the principal officiant at the Mass, Fr. Bruce Bradley. He remembered Tony’s overwhelming presence when he attended the same school a decade later.
Fr. Bradley shared a memory of Tony attending an under-15 rugby practice on a soggy weekend and his generous offer to provide rides home to a few early finishers. Tony led a remarkable life of 88 years, always mindful of his blessings and continuously attentive to those in his surroundings, he stated.
The funeral attracted many attendees apart from his six children, including Susan and Caroline, and other family members. Distinguished political figures, such as Micheál Martin, Deputy Prime Minister, ex-ministers Shane Ross and Michael McDowell, were also present. The President sent his aide-de-camp Col Stephen Howard as his representative while Comdt Gemma Fagan attended on behalf of the Prime Minister.
Former international rugby player, Ollie Campbell, was part of those who led the Prayers of the Faithful. He was joined by ex-Welsh rugby player and now the head of the British and Irish Lions Board, Ieuan Evans, as well as Tony Hanahoe, a past Dublin footballer. Noteworthy figures also present included Anne Harris, Colin McGinty, Gerry O’Regan, and Michael Roche, who were part of the erstwhile Independent News and Media, another business venture of Mr O’Reilly’s.
Representatives from the corporate world that attended included property entrepreneur Paddy Kelly, Paul McGuinness, who was once in charge of managing U2, alongside Barry Maloney and Rory Godson. Mr O’Reilly, who lost his first wife Susan and his second wife Chryss, is set to be cremated at an intimate ceremony this coming Friday.