Dynasties 2018: A colossus orbited by three sons
It all started with Tony O’Reilly sr, the dealmaker who towered over the Irish newspaper industry. Then everything was snatched away. But while O’Reilly sr is keeping a low profile these days, his family still hold some of the most powerful positions in Irish and international business, writes Leanna Byrne
The patriarch
Tony O’Reilly sr was the most significant and powerful media owner in Ireland for nearly 40 years, as well as the country’s wealthiest man.
On top of a controlling share of Independent News & Media (INM), his stint as chief executive of Heinz and his glorious past as an Ireland rugby international, he had also made tens of millions from his involvement in the flotation of Eircom.
As a consequence of ...
