Tributes paid to Michael
THE Institute of Professional Auctioneers & Valuers (IPAV) has expressed deepest sympathies to the family of its former president Michael O’Leary, who was laid to rest on Wednesday.
The organisation’s chief executive officer, Pat Davitt, said Mr O’Leary will be deeply missed by everyone in the institute.
He said that, in addition to running an extremely successful business, Michael ‘always found time to contribute generously to the work of our institute’.
He said Mr O’Leary provided ‘wise counsel at policy level’ and was a great ‘go-to’ person for members and staff.
Mr Davitt also said he always ‘ had salient things to say’ and that he had a wonderful sense of humour and would put anyone at ease – even in the most stressful of situations.
‘He was a big presence at our many events every year, a gentle giant.’
Mr Davitt offered sympathies to Mr O’Leary’s wife and family and said: ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this very sad time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.’