Chancellor of Queen's University Belfast dies, aged 65

By Cate McCurry

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: "I learned with sadness today of the death of Tom Moran in New York.

"Tom made a very significant positive impact on Irish American relations, in particular supporting peace in Northern Ireland.

"My sincere condolences to his wife, Joan, and to his wider family and friends."

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.

"He took an active role behind the scenes in supporting the Belfast Agreement and the Northern Ireland peace process over many years.

"We are indebted to him for his work over the past decades and for his efforts to help bring about a lasting peace for all in Northern Ireland.

"My sincere condolences to his wife and entire family circle at this very sad time."