Tech company founders Patrick and John Collison are among the richest people in Ireland as old money fails to recoup recession losses.However the two families who have held on to their places are the Mistrys and Hilary and Galen Weston.The family is headed by 90-year-old reclusive tycoon Pallonji Mistry, and retains its top position despite losses thanks largely to its valuable stake in Tata Sons.It was set up by Pallonji Mistry’s grandfather in 1965.
Originally from Dun Laoghaire, former model Hilary Weston, 78, is one of the wealthiest women in the world. In Ireland they own Arnotts, as well as Brown Thomas –which Galen, 79, gave to Hilary for a wedding present. The financial success of Patrick Collison, 31, and 29-year-old brother John is down to their tech company Stripe, which they founded in 2009.Stripe, an online payments company, is now the most valuable Irish-made enterprise ever.