Ryanair founder dies
Ryanair founder Dr Tony Ryan died yesterday aged 71 after a long illness. Ryan founded Europe's biggest low-cost airline 23 years ago.
Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary described him as 'one of the greatest Irishmen of the 20th Century'.
He added: 'It was a privilege to work for him and to learn from him. We are all determined that Ryanair will continue to carry his name with pride and distinction.'
A family statement said the 71-year-old passed away at his home in Celbridge, Co Kildare, at 3pm after a long illness.
Born in Co Tipperary, he founded aircraft leasing firm Guinness Peat Aviation (GPA) in 1975 and later co-founded Ryanair in 1985. He has held senior management positions with Aer Lingus in Ireland, the UK and the US.
Dr Ryan's family fortune has been estimated at more than €1.2bn.
A family statement said: 'Our beloved Tony bore his illness with determined strength of character and great courage.'
It added: 'We are proud of Tony's many achievements, of his spirit of entrepreneurship which created enterprise and opportunity for many people in this country and abroad and, most especially, we are proud to have been his loving and loved family.'
Dan Loughrey, chairman of Chambers Ireland's Air Transport Users Council said Dr Ryan was 'an extraordinary figure in Irish business'.
He said: 'Through the force of his personality, chutzpah and imagination he managed to revolutionise the aviation industry in Ireland and overseas while developing distinguished managerial talent that has percolated throughout Irish business.'
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