Taoiseach Bertie Ahern today added his voice to tributes for one of Ireland's richest and most successful entrepreneurs Tony Ryan.
Mr Ahern said the Guinness peat Aviation (GPA) founder and Ryanair co-founder had an immense influence on the development of the Irish and global aviation industry.
"His vision in recognising the potential of aircraft leasing to transform the global aviation market was remarkable. Through Guinness Peat Aviation he placed Ireland centre stage in the global aviation business.
"His legacy in this respect is clearly evident today as Ireland remains one of the key global centres for the international aircraft leasing business.
"He also recognised the enormous potential of increased competition in the market for air services to transform the European economy.
"The establishment of Ryanair and its subsequent rise to become one of the leading carriers in Europe is one of the greatest Irish economic success stories and will be rightly regarded as perhaps his greatest legacy."
Mr Ahern said he had met Mr Ryan on a number of occasions and extended his sympathy to his family.
Media tycoon Sir Anthony O'Reilly called Mr Ryan a "true pioneer". "He was immensely hard-working, talented, witty and at times, a hard task master," he said.
"He changed the skies of Europe, not just for the Irish people, but indeed for all Europeans. That will be his epitaph."
Dan Loughrey, chair of Chambers Ireland's Air Transport Users Council said Mr Ryan was "an extraordinary figure in Irish business."
"Through the force of his personality, chutzpah and imagination he managed to revolutionise the aviation industry in Ireland and overseas while developing distinguished managerial talent that has percolated throughout Irish business," said Mr Loughrey.
Among Mr Ryan's protégés are Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary and communications and media entrepreneur Denis O'Brien.
Mr O'Leary said his mentor was "one of the greatest Irishmen of the 20th century". "It was a privilege to work for him and to learn from him. I will miss his guidance, encouragement and friendship," Mr O'Leary said.
Aer Lingus chief executive Dermot Mannion said Mr Ryan's "tenacity fuelled an awakening in Irish aviation"
"He had the courage of his convictions to build an international business and set out a path for others to follow that made him an inspiration to a new breed of Irish entrepreneurs," Mr Mannion said.
Kevin Thompstone, chief executive of Shannon Development said Mr Ryan was "a visionary business leader".
"Shannon Development is proud to have worked closely with him in establishing Shannon as a world class location for internationally traded services in the aviation financial sector," he added.
Sean Donlon, Chancellor of the University of Limerick said Mr Ryan was "a long-time friend" of the university.
"He supported the development of the University of Limerick particularly in the 1970's and 1980's at a time when there were few people in the area in a position to do so," Mr Donlon said.
Mr Ryan was a former director of the University of Limerick Foundation and was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Economic Science by the University in 1992.
He was also one of only two people awarded Honorary Membership of the National Institute for Higher Education in Limerick which was the for-runner to UL.