Death announced of founder of Jack and Jill Foundation, Jonathan Irwin

The death has been announced of the founder of the Jack and Jill Foundation and a leading figure in the Irish bloodstock industry, Jonathan Irwin, after a short illness. 

He was aged 82. 

The foundation was formed by the late Mr Irwin and his wife, Mary Ann, after the death of their 22-month -old son Jack in 1997.  Jack had suffered severe brain damage shortly after his birth. 

More than 300 families in Cork and 3,000 children across the country have benefited from the home care nursing model set up by the foundation and the charity has organised many fund-raising events in the county, involving sports stars such as Cork hurler Patrick Collins, to finance its works.

Mr Irwin was born and raised in England and was educated at the prestigious public school of Eton before attending Trinity College in Dublin.  

He enjoyed what he himself described as a 'glittering career' in several roles such as bloodstock agent, auction house boss, publisher, racecourse executive and more. 

In a statement, the Jack and Jill Foundation said that none of the many prestigious positions he held 'was more challenging and rewarding than his role with Jack and Jill, where he advocated on behalf of family carers with all his might'.