Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
FOOD TYCOON KILLED IN QUAD BIKE ACCIDENT
Tributes to Finnebrogue founder after tragedy
Denis was an innovator with a passion for delivering positive change FINNEBROGUE STATEMENT YESTERDAY
TRIBUTES have been paid to top businessman Denis Lynn after his tragic death in a quad bike accident.
The Finnebrogue founder, who started out selling pizzas and from a white van before moving on to chips and artisan meat, became one of the country’s leading food producers and a major supermarket supplier.
It is understood the 63-year-old passed away following the incident at his home on the Finnebrogue estate in Co Down on Sunday evening.
In 2018, the Downpatrick man was named the UK’S most innovative director of the year by the Institute of Directors.
The once meat-led producer then went on to launch the largest plant-based food factory in Europe in 2020 to make 15 products for Finnebrogue’s meat-free Naked range.
A statement from his company said: “Our thoughts are with Denis’ wife Christine, his children Kerry, Clare, Tara and Ciara and the entire family at this incredibly difficult time.
“Denis was an innovator and a visionary with an infectious passion for delivering positive change for the planet and its people. He leaves behind an extraordinary list of achievements.
“Denis also leaves behind Finnebrogue and a vision for its future.
Finnebrogue was his creation. It now falls on all of us – the Finnebrogue family – to continue his outstanding work.
“Non-executive director David Manning has been appointed interimchairman with immediate effect. Nonexecutive director Colin Walsh has been appointed interim deputy-chairman.
“The senior management team will lead the business on a day-to-day basis.
“We have set up an email account – Rememberingdenis@finnebrogue.com – for you to send your memories and condolences, which we will compile and publish in due course.
“Denis was our founder, leader and inspiration. We will best honour his memory by invoking his passion for making food the best it can possibly be, without being bound by the way it’s always been done – and by trying every day to make the world a better place.”
Others have taken to social media to pay their respects to the former farmer.
Food journalist Sam Butler MBE said: “Awful tragedy. Denis was a great innovator, especially in plant-based foods. Sincere regrets to family circle and team at Finnebrogue.”
Another tribute added “sincerest condolences to Denis’ family and colleagues at Finnebrogue Artisan... an incredible loss to the #Northernireland food industry... such an innovator”.