Triumph and disaster – Tony O’Reilly’s outsized business ventures mirrored and shaped Ireland’s economic story

Career was marked by staggering success stories before highs of Celtic Tiger gave way to shattered empire

Businessman Tony O'Reilly has died at the age of 88

Donal O'Donovan

In hindsight, Tony O’Reilly’s most enduring business legacy might be his first: the creation of the Kerrygold brand to market Irish butter internationally way back in 1962 when he was still in his 30s.

Kerrygold is the only Irish food brand worth more than €1bn a year in sales, and rivals much older drinks names such as Guinness and Jameson for international reach and recognition.