Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I raise the passing of Tony O’Reilly, or Sir Anthony O’Reilly to give him his full title. Ireland’s agriculture and food sector will be forever grateful for his genius in establishing Kerrygold, Ireland’s premier food and international brand. Tony had the vision and ambition for Ireland and understood and recognised the great loyalty of the Irish diaspora. His Kerrygold premium brand used his marketing skills when marketing was not recognised as a science, as it is today. He did so to tell the story of Irish agriculture, the Irish dairy sector, the green isle and the story of Ireland and its food. That connected strongly with the Irish diaspora. To this day, wherever we go in the world, we can pick up Kerrygold. I have picked it up in Germany, Spain and America but it is all over the world.

I had the pleasure of meeting Sir Anthony O’Reilly on several occasions. My abiding memory of him will be of his ambition for Ireland on the international stage, both in business and sport. He worked hard for reconciliation and the importance of prosperity for all. He set up the Ireland Fund with Dan Rooney, president of the Pittsburgh Steelers, which raised millions of pounds for many causes on this island. The fund they established continues to support many cross-community projects today. I extend my sympathies to the O’Reilly family.

I renew my call for statements in the House on the shared island initiative, which Tony O’Reilly was very supportive of.The Tánaiste and leader of Fianna Fáil and, indeed, the Government have wholly embraced it. It is an important issue. It relates very much to his work but it has gone way beyond that. Again, I ask that we organise to have statements on the all-island initiative.