The death has taken place of Ed Prendergast, chief executive of Lakelands Dairies. He was 46 years old.
The late Mr Prendergast, who was appointed chief executive of Lakeland Dairies in 2001, had been ill for some time.
A native of Cappoquin, Co Waterford, and of a dairy farming family, he lived in Julianstown, Co Meath.
He joined Lakeland from HJ Heinz Corporation having previously served as finance director with Cadbury Schweppes Beverages in Athy, Co Kildare.
At Lakeland Dairies, he oversaw a process of expansion whereby the co-operative acquired a number of other companies including Bailieboro Foods, Pritchitts and Nestlé Omagh.
Tributes were paid to him last night by the chairman of Lakelands, Mike Mangan, who said he had made an outstanding contribution to the growth and development of the company and the wider dairy industry.
Mr Prendergast had an intense interest in sports and particularly in rugby.
His funeral will take place tomorrow from St Mary's Church, Julianstown, following 11am Mass to Moore Church Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife, Phoebe, and sons Kevin, Peter and Patrick, mother, brothers and sister.