Obituary: Jonathan Irwin, gentle giant of Irish society whose work helped thousands

Jonathan Irwin established the Jack & Jill Children's Foundation with his wife Mary Ann following the death of their infant son Jack. Picture: Shane O'Neill/Coalesce

Jonathan Irwin, the charismatic bloodstock agent and philanthropist who died last week aged 82, leaves behind not just an admirable professional legacy, but a charity in the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation that continues to help hundreds of Irish families. 

Mr Irwin established the foundation with his wife Mary Ann following the death of their infant son Jack in 1997. In doing so, he gave voice to thousands of vulnerable families who, when faced with the devastating prospect of caring for a seriously ill child, may not have had the means nor ability to advocate for themselves.