Major Northern Ireland philanthropist dies

Prominent Northern Ireland industrialist and philanthropist Sir Allen McClay, 80, has died in America where he had gone for medical treatment.

Last year Sir Allen set up the McClay Foundation to unite industry and academia. Over a number of years he supported a range of scientific and medial causes.

The forerunner of the McClay Foundation, the McClay Trust donated some £20 million to charitable causes, including £10 million to the new Queen’s University Library.

Queen's received significant other support from Mr McClay, with a former Queens chancellor describing him as the most generous supporter of Queens in the university’s history.

The McClay Foundation and Sir Allen last year became sole shareholders of the Craigavon-based Almac Group, which has a turnover of £167 million.

He is survived by his wife Heather, whom he married in hospital the US in November last year.

www.mcclayfoundation.org