His rags-to-riches tale, detailed so forensically in his 2001 bestseller autobiography
It’s A Long Way From Penny Apples was an inspiration to many north inner-city Dubs in his native home of Summerhill.
The 78-year-old was a prime example of just what could be achieved through hard graft and determination, not to mention that cheeky market-seller charm.
At the height of his success, he and his glamorous partner Jackie Lavin were the poster couple for the hedonistic Celtic Tiger years as turnover at his car distribution company reached €350m at one point. Read More
Few will forget the opening credits of the Irish version of