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Dawn Meats founder Dan Browne dies aged 88 as tributes pour in for ‘an amazing, successful businessman' and ‘gentleman'

PROMINENT Irish businessman Daniel Browne has died aged 88 his family have confirmed. The Advertisement 2 He passed away yesterday Credit: RTE 2 Tributes have poured in from across the country Credit: Irish Grassland Society He is survived by his wife Kay and four children Paddy, Aoidin, Colm Niall and their partners Dermot, Carmel, Ruth and Angela. He is pre-deceased by his siblings Pat, Hilary and Denis and will be missed by his remaining siblings Molly, Sheila,Catherine, Jim and Barry. He was also an adored grandfather to Danielle, Andrea, Stephen, Luke, Patrick, Faye, Ella, Kate, Leah and Andrew. He will also be greatly missed by his nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Advertisement READ MORE IN NEWS Dan, as he was known, had been living in He passed away surrounded by his family and in the care of the staff at University Hospital Waterford yesterday. Tributes have remembered Dan as a "highly valued partner" and "an amazing, successful businessman". He graduated from UCD in 1959 with a degree in Agricultural science. Advertisement Most read in Irish News He started his career in researching at the agricultural institute An Foras Talúntais in He returned to his native Cork some time later where, outside Fermoy, he was tasked with establishing a national dairy research centre. SUCESSFUL MOVES Later, moving away from a research focus he became manager of the Cork Marts - IMP plant at Midleton. A year after this move in 1975 he became president of the Irish Grassland Association for a year. Advertisement This move to the meat industry was significant as Dan went on to make one of his best known ventures. He was founded Dawn Meats alongside the Quelly brothers in 1980. He held the position of managing director of the company for 27 years, before becoming a board member in 2007. The company remains largely successful today with over 8,000 employees over 12 countires. Advertisement The popular business man was also the chairman of Bord Bia from 2008 to 2011. 'REMARKABLE LEADER' Dawn Meats paid tribute to their founder describing him as a 'pioneering figure in Irish agriculture". They said in a statement: "He was a remarkable leader and visionary, serving as Managing Director of Dawn Meats for 27 years and developing the business into one of Europe's leading meat processing companies. 'He was also a valued member of the board of Dawn Meats and through his wise counsel, he continued to play a key role in the further success of the company. Advertisement "Through his work at Dawn Meats and his wider contribution to agriculture and the agri-food industry, Mr Browne leaves a lasting legacy and he will be greatly missed." Tributes poured in from many people who remembered Dan for his remarkable business moves and research. Former TD Ned O'Keefe said: "Deepest sympathy to the Browne family on the death of Dan. Dan was a first class researcher in Moore Park and then became an amazing, successful businessman." Global McDonald's system said: "We're so sorry to hear of Dan's passing and offer our sincere condolences to the Browne Family. Advertisement "Dan was a visionary and was always, and always will be, a highly valued partner to our system, ever since 1986." 'INSPIRATION FOR GENERATIONS' Gerry Boyle, Former Director Teagasc paid a heartfelt and length tribute to Dan. He said: "Irish agriculture has lost someone who made an immense contribution. Although he went on to make an huge impact on Ireland's meat industry, it was through his contribution to the establishment of grassland-based dairy research at Teagasc Moorepark that he'll be forever remembered in research circles. "Thanks to Dan's efforts, and those of his pioneering colleagues, Moorepark is now one of the world's leading dairy research centres. Advertisement "His work and his presence at so many events over the years at Moorepark was a source of great inspiration for generations of young researchers." 'WONDERFUL GENTLEMAN' On a personal level man people remembered their friend Dan in heartfelt tributes. One person wrote: "My deepest condolences to the Browne family on the passing of a truly great man. "Among many others, Dan gave me a big break in life for which I am forever grateful." Advertisement Another said: "An absolute Gentleman and a pleasure to have known." And one person said: "What a wonderful gentleman, friend and a legend he was. "We feel so blessed to have known him. Dan leaves an amazing legacy in his beautiful family. "Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time. May he rest in peace." Advertisement FUNERAL DETAILS The popular man will repose at his home in Waterford tomorrow evening. His funeral mass will take place on Friday at 11am at St Mary's Church, Ballygunner, Waterford and will be laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. The family will walk to the church from the family home for 10.30am where condolences can be offered before the mass.