Tributes pour in for Stanley Roche

TRIBUTES have been paid to Stanley Roche, the reclusive head of the Roche family retail dynasty, who has died, aged 81.

Mr Roche, who spearheaded the growth of the Roches Stores empire had undergone surgery in recent weeks and was recovering at home. But he died in the Bon Secours Hospital in Cork on Monday.

The super-rich businessman was chairman of the family firm, estimated to be worth close to €1 billion in 2006. But he kept a low profile, displayed none of the trappings of wealth and was rarely photographed or quoted. He was described by associates as a very tough and uncompromising businessman.