Aer Lingus chairman dies in boating accident

Public Enterprise Minister Mary O’Rourke has paid tribute to Aer Lingus chairman Bernie Cahill, who died in a drowning accident near his home in west Cork last night.

Mrs O’Rourke said Mr Cahill had a long and distinguished career, while Fine Gael’s Jim Mitchell said he was part of the generation that laid the foundations for the Celtic Tiger.

Aer Lingus chief executive John O’Donovan said he brought the airline through some of its more difficult times.

Mr Cahill’s wife found his body in the water last night after he apparently slipped while disembarking from a boat at Schull.