Younger brother of Ray was co-owner of country鈥檚 biggest private contractor

Ray O鈥橰ourke鈥檚 younger brother Des has died after a short illness. He was 75.

The brothers became deputy chairs of the country鈥檚 biggest private contractor at the start of this month after Ray said he was stepping down as chief executive and handing over the reins to son Cathal.

Ray, 77, and Des were the shareholders of a business founded in 1977 as a regional formwork and concrete specialist in Dartford, taking on its current name after acquiring Laing Construction for 拢1 in 2001.

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Des O鈥橰ourke has died aged 75

In a statement released last night, the firm said: 鈥淚t is with deep sadness that Des O鈥橰ourke鈥檚 family confirm his passing earlier today.

鈥淒es had been ill for a short period, and he passed away surrounded by his immediate and extended family.

鈥淭he O鈥橰ourke family now asks for privacy at this time to allow us to come to terms with this loss. May Des rest in peace.鈥