Businessman and Lions rugby player Tony O’Reilly dies after short illness

Sir Anthony O’Reilly, one of Ireland’s leading business figures and a former rugby international, has died in Dublin following a short illness.

Sir Anthony, 88, built an international media business which at one stage owned more than 100 newspapers, including the Irish Independent and Belfast Telegraph.

He eventually lost control of the business in a boardroom battle and was personally bankrupted late in life.

Irish Persident Michael D Higgins led tributes to Sir Anthony, describing him as a “man of great personal charm”.

Sir Anthony was knighted for service to Northern Ireland.

Mr Higgins spoke of his philanthropy “and the impact which that made on a north/south basis” on the island of Ireland.

In a statement, Sir Anthony’s family said: “In the coming days there will be many worthy tributes made to Tony O’Reilly’s unique and extraordinary achievements in the fields of business and sport.

“As well as his extraordinary philanthropic vision which was best evidenced by the establishment of the