The Business & Finance Awards, in association with KPMG, said today that Tony O'Reilly will be posthumously honoured with the 2024 TK Whitaker Award for Outstanding Contribution to Ireland & Public Life.
Tony O'Reilly, who passed away in May at the age of 88, was one of the country's most outstanding leaders across business and philanthropy and he played a pivotal role in changing the image of Ireland in a global context.
The award will be presented at the 50th Annual Business & Finance Awards, held in Dublin on December 5. The O'Reilly family will accept the award.
Established in 2016 to commemorate the 100th birthday of Dr Thomas Kenneth (TK) Whitaker, the TK Whitaker Award honours individuals who have made significant contributions to public life.
Previous recipients include President Michael D Higgins, former taoiseach Enda Kenny, former president Mary McAleese, filmmaker David Puttnam, peace advocates John and Pat Hume and the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Ian Hyland, President & Publisher of Business & Finance, said that Tony O'Reilly was one of the most outstanding leaders of our time.
"His achievements in sport, business, and philanthropy underline an extraordinary life that epitomised passion and compassion. He was, quite simply, an Everest amongst the sand dunes, and I know that Ken Whitaker would be delighted that his friend will be honoured in his name," Mr Hyland added.
