JP McManus, Pat Whelan and Minister Patrick O’Donovan celebrate Limerick’s win on Sunday in Croke Park.
The county of Limerick has always been aware of the generosity of JP McManus, but the entire island now knows it too, following news that the businessman has donated €100,000 to every County GAA Board in the country, a total of €3.2m. The unprecedented donation follows Limerick’s All Ireland hurling win last month, and will be shared by all clubs in every county.
It was a wonderful surprise on Tuesday when County Board secretaries around the country received letters from the philanthropic Limerick businessman, each envelope containing a cheque for €100,000 and a letter from JP stating that the money was to be divided equally among all clubs. A spokesperson for the GAA has described the donation as “an incredible gesture, and great news for every club in the country”.
JP McManus has been the main sponsor for Limerick GAA for many years, though his largesse is not confined to the national sport, as he is also a wonderful contributor to charity, principally through the JP McManus Pro-Am which has raised millions of euro for deserving causes, and is expected to do so again when the Pro-Am takes place in Adare Manor in 2020.