Denis O'Brien helps carry the coffin of his father, Denis O'Brien Snr. Eamonn Farrell Eamonn Farrell

FAMOUS FIGURES FROM the worlds of business and politics were present this afternoon for the funeral of Denis (Dano) O’Brien Snr.

The father of telecoms billionaire Denis O’Brien died on Monday aged 85 after a long illness.

A successful businessman in his own right, Denis O’Brien Snr founded multinational horse nutrition company Plus Vital in 1975 and remained as a director with the company until his death.

He was also a founding director at Esat Telecom, the phone company established by his son that won Ireland’s second mobile phone licence and ultimately made him one of the wealthiest people on the planet.

Denis O’Brien Snr was born in Cork but spent his much of his life living in South Dublin.

Today’s funeral at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Donnybrook saw a number of notable figures in attendance including former Taoiseach Brian Cowen.

Denis O’Brien Snr is survived by his wife Iris and children Joanne, Abigail, Denis and Kerry.