Entrepreneur and Ryanair founder Dr Tony Ryan died yesterday at his home in Co Kildare after an 18-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Dr Ryan (71) passed away at 3pm at Lyons Demesne in Celbridge.
A requiem Mass and burial will be held on the estate tomorrow from noon for about 120 family and close friends. His family said a memorial service would be held in a couple of weeks for others who wish to pay their respects.
Born in 1936 in Thurles, Co Tipperary, Dr Ryan is regarded as one of Ireland's greatest businessmen.
He spent his early career with Aer Lingus before founding aircraft leasing and finance group Guinness Peat Aviation (GPA) in 1975.
Based in Shannon, GPA became a world-class company before its stock market flotation was pulled in 1992. It was taken over by General Electric the following year.
Dr Ryan founded Ryanair in 1985. It made losses in its early years before Dr Ryan established its low-cost model and entrusted his then personal assistant Michael O'Leary with the task of making it work.
In a statement, his family said Dr Ryan bore his illness with "determined strength of character and great courage".
Dr Ryan had received treatment in the Blackrock Clinic and St Vincent's hospital in Dublin, and a hospital in Kentucky in the US.
"We are thankful to the many medical and nursing professionals for their wonderful care and kindness in hospitals in Ireland and the United States," his family said.
Dr Ryan was married to Mairead, and had sons Cathal, Declan and Shane.
"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," the statement from his family added.
In a statement, Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary said he would miss the "guidance, encouragement and friendship" of his former mentor.
"We are all determined that Ryanair will continue to carry his name with pride and distinction," Mr O'Leary added.
