The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Tributes paid to Irish businessman and QUB chancellor Dr Tom Moran
Tributes have been paid to the chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast, Dr Tom Moran, who has died in New York.
The prominent Irish-American businessman died following a short illness.
Queen’s University vice-chancellor Professor Ian Greer said that Dr Moran was a “real inspiration and will be sorely missed”.
He was appointed chancellor of the university in May 2015 and is the former chief executive of Mutual of America.
Prof Greer said: “We are grateful for Tom’s unwavering support and commitment to the university.
“Tom considered it a privilege and honour to be our chancellor and embraced the role with passion and excitement.”
Ireland’s foreign affairs minister, Simon Coveney, tweeted: “Tom made a very significant positive impact on Irish American relations, in particular supporting peace in Northern Ireland.”
Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald also expressed her condolences.
She said: “I am deeply saddened by the news today of the death of Tom Moran.
“Tom has been a stalwart promoter of the Irish peace process since the early 1990s and he worked closely with Bill Flynn, who also sadly died several months ago, in promoting and supporting the efforts for peace in Ireland.”
Former Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams TD knew and worked with Dr Moran over many years.
He said: “I was first introduced to Tom by Bill Flynn who was then the CEO of Mutual of America.
“In May, Tom spoke movingly at Bill’s funeral of the enormous influence Bill had on him in supporting the search for peace in Ireland and in particular the work of Irish America.
“Tom understood the critical importance of involving representatives of all political views in the evolving process of peace and in support of the Good Friday Agreement.
“Tom’s loss will be deeply felt by all of us working for peace and justice and for a new dispensation based on inclusivity and equality.”
Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley added: “Dr Moran was a hugely successful businessman and well-regarded philanthropist and who was a true friend to Northern Ireland.”