‘Where people saw obstacles, he saw opportunities’ – tributes paid at funeral for businessman Tony O’Reilly

Media magnate and former Ireland and Lions rugby star died at the age of 88 after a short illness

Susan O'Reilly and her brother Tony O'Reilly Jr at the funeral of their father Tony O'Reilly at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Donnybrook. Photo: Steve Humphreys

Catherine Fegan

The small group of petite women in flat shoes and neat clothes huddled close as Tony O’Reilly’s coffin was gently lifted into the hearse. In their hands, clutched tightly like a prized possession, was the late businessman’s mass booklet.

Earlier during the service, two of the women, unassuming figures among the crowds of well-known faces from the world of business, sport and politics, had shyly stepped forward to present the offertory gifts.