Northern Ireland

Leading business figures expected at funeral of First Derivatives founder Brian Conlon

Brian Conlon was chief executive of financial technology firm First Derivatives
Brian Conlon was chief executive of financial technology firm First Derivatives Brian Conlon was chief executive of financial technology firm First Derivatives

LEADING figures from the world of business are among those expected to attend tomorrow's funeral of Co Down entrepreneur Brian Conlon.

Mr Conlon (53), who died on Sunday just two months after revealing he was receiving treatment for cancer, was the founder and chief executive officer of Newry-based company First Derivatives.

He established the financial technology company in 1996 and since then it has become a global success story, employing more than 2,400 people worldwide.

Yesterday tributes continued to be paid to the father-of-two, who was a talented footballer in his youth and played for Down GAA.

His career was cut short by injury when he damaged his knee while playing for Queen's University in the Sigerson Cup campaign of 1987.

Paul Convery, president of Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade, described Mr Conlon as "an inspirational business leader with his heart in Newry" who was "most of all... a family man".

He said the First Derivatives chief had "put the city of Newry on the global map".

"He created rewarding and exciting career opportunities not just for the young people of Newry but for many graduates from around the world who came to Newry to start their careers."

Invest NI chief executive Alastair Hamilton said Mr Conlon was "a true entrepreneur with the vision and commitment" to set up his company and grow it into a global business.

"I have witnessed first-hand Brian’s personal drive and ability which has been pivotal in establishing Northern Ireland as a global centre of excellence for financial services technology.

"Brian was also deeply attached to his home city of Newry, and ensured that the success of First Derivatives as a company had a positive impact on the wider community.

“I extend sincere sympathy to Brian's family at this sad time and recognise that his passing will be strongly felt across our business community.”

Messages of condolences on the company's Facebook page also described him as "a true modest gentleman", someone who "shaped the lives of so many people locally and across the island" and "a giant of a man".

In a statement, First Derivatives' non-executive chairman Seamus Keating said the news had come as "a profound shock" and that Mr Conlon's "drive, ambition and determination inspired all who had the privilege to work with him".

The group has begun a process to appoint a new chief executive officer and, in the interim, Mr Keating has been appointed executive chairman.

Requiem Mass for Mr Conlon will take place tomorrow at 1pm in St Patrick and St Colman's Cathedral, Newry, with burial afterwards in Monkshill Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife Julie, children Fiónn and Danú, mother Josephine, sister Kathy, brother Ciaran and family circle.

He was predeceased by his father Gerard and brother Ronan.