Write a commentThe other local man who died in the helicopter crash in Norfolk that claimed the life of Lord Ballyedmond, Norbrook Laboratories was Declan Small from Mayobridge.
The Norbrook Helicopter was on it's way back to Newry and had been a familiar sight to Newry residents over the years.
Two pilots also died and have been named as Chief Pilot at Haughey Air, Carl Dickerson from Blackpool and Haughey Air Co-Pilot Lee Hoyle from Manchester.
Tributes to Lord Ballyedmond have also been coming in.
Orla Jackson from Newry Chamber of Commerce commented ‘Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade offers its deepest sympathy to the families, friends and colleagues of the four gentlemen that died suddenly in the tragic accident on the 13 March.
"As a local entrepreneur and leading industrialist, Lord Ballyedmond has made an immense contribution to the Newry economy. From humble beginnings, Lord Ballyedmond developed Norbrook Laboratories into a hugely successful global empire, employing approximately 2,000 people in its 3 Newry factories and creating £50m in salaries annually to the Northern Ireland economy.
"Lord Ballyedmond’s legacy will also be remembered in his commitment to local education and training through Norbrook’s links to the local post primary schools and the Southern Regional College.
"Norbrook over the years has continued to develop ground breaking advances in the world of pharmaceutical and veterinary medicine and through his work, Lord Ballyedmond has put Newry, the company’s Headquarters, on the world map as the home of leading veterinary pharmaceutical innovation and development.
"Newry Chamber of Commerce sends its sincere condolences to the family of the other local man Declan Small from Co Down who also lost his life in the tragedy; our thoughts and prayers are with all those grieving at this very sad time"
An Cathaoirleach of the Seanad Senator Paddy Burke has offered condolences on behalf of Seanad Éireann to the family and friends of former Senator Dr Edward Haughey.
Senator Burke says: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic and untimely passing of former Senator Dr Edward Haughey. On behalf of the Members of Seanad Éireann, and on my own behalf, I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to his family and his wide circle of friends.
"I had the honour of working alongside Dr Haughey from 1993 to 2002, over the course of two Seanad terms. I knew him as a fine, decent and honourable man, who served with great integrity, foresight and distinction. As well as his remarkable success in business, he will be fondly remembered for his tireless work in securing peace on the island of Ireland.”
The First Minister, Peter Robinson said: “It was with great sadness and regret that I heard of this tragic accident and the passing of Lord Ballyedmond.
“Dr. Edward Haughey was a great ambassador for Northern Ireland. He worked tirelessly to develop the globally respected Newry based veterinary pharmaceutical company Norbrook Laboratories. As a result of his vision and leadership he created employment opportunities for many people in Northern Ireland.
“A seasoned and well respected politician, Edward’s passing will be a great loss to his family and everyone in Northern Ireland.
”My thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this very sad news.”
The deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: “I offer my condolences to the family and friends of everyone who lost their lives in this helicopter accident in Norfolk.
“I know the passing of Eddie Haughey will be acutely felt in the Newry and wider County Down area where his entrepreneurial spirit was a catalyst for economic development in the area. Norbrook Laboratories, which Eddie founded and developed into an industry leader is one of the largest employers and exporters in the north of Ireland. Eddie was a highly motivated man with immense business skills and my thoughts and prayers are with his family at this most difficult time.
“I thank the emergency services for their efforts on the accident scene in challenging weather conditions.”
Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster also expressed her condolences at the passing of Lord Ballyedmond.
Minister Foster said: "It is with great sadness that I learnt of the passing of Lord Ballyedmond and I would like to extend my most sincere condolences to his friends and family.
“Without doubt, Lord Ballyedmond was one of Northern Ireland’s most successful entrepreneurs, and he was known for his leadership, integrity and global vision. One-of-a-kind and a self-made businessman, he was both highly regarded and widely respected by all those who knew him.
“Norbrook Laboratories currently exports to more than 120 countries worldwide and Lord Ballyedmond worked tirelessly to promote Northern Ireland as an investment location. Not only has he made a huge contribution to the local economy but Lord Ballyedmond also devoted much of his time to charitable works and this is to be highly commended.
"Lord Ballyedmond will be sadly missed and his passing is a great loss to both the business and wider community.”
