Life of Ryan: at a glance

A look at the life of Dr Tony Ryan

A look at the life of Dr Tony Ryan

1936: Born in Thurles, Co Tipperary.

1954: Joins Aer Lingus, rising through the ranks to become a middle manager.

1975: Sets up Guinness Peat Aviation (GPA) in Shannon, turning it into one of the world's biggest aircraft leasing and finance businesses.

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1985: Co-founder of Ryanair. First flights operate from Waterford to Gatwick.

1988: Installs Michael O'Leary at Ryanair to help to turn the loss-making airline around.

1992: GPA stock market flotation is scrapped, sending shock waves through Irish financial circles.

1993: General Electric takes control of GPA and Ryan relinquishes chairmanship.

1996: Ryan cuts his ties with GPA.

1997: Ryanair floats on the stock market. That year, Ryan acquired the 600-acre Lyons Estate in Kildare and restored the property to its former glory.

2003: Tiger Airways in Singapore is founded with backing from Ryan and his family.

2006: Budget airline AeroBus is launched in Mexico with the backing of Ryan and his sons.

2007: Ryan dies at his estate near Celbridge, Co Kildare.