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The Journal
3 days ago
- Business
- The Journal
JP McManus has 'highly emotional' meeting with Limerick Council over Rugby Expo 'gift' snub
BILLIONAIRE HORSE RACING mogul JP McManus fought back tears at a highly charged meeting with Limerick City and County Council after it snubbed his offer of the debt-free €30million International Rugby Experience (IRE) and a €1.2million donation. McManus sought the private meeting with council executives and elected representatives to ask why the local authority turned down his offer. Reliable sources said an apology was offered to McManus and his family at the closed meeting, but that the gift was no longer on the table 'as things stand' but that it could yet be salvaged, they said. McManus has disputed the manner in which the gift was presented to councillors and told executives of his 'hurt' over the controversy. In 2001, the council presented McManus with the prestigious title of Honorary Freeman of Limerick. In 2011 the council included McManus's name in a medallion added to the mayoral chain, after he won the 2010 Aintree Grand National with his horse Don't Push It. In 2016 councillors held a Civic Reception for him for his 'outstanding contribution' to local communities. However, sources said the once close relationship has now soured over the IRE controversy. 'JP made a presentation to the chamber today and he got emotional as he spoke of his love of Limerick and he spoke about the fact that he was made a Freeman of the City by the council, and that it had been the proudest moment of his life,' said a source. 'It was highly emotional, he stopped talking and got choked up. A few councillors at the meeting were also wiping away tears.' The €30m building was renovated and fitted out for the expo. McManus told the closed meeting he was 'mystified' and 'disheartened' at the Council's declining of his debt-free gift. 'He was offering the people of Limerick city and county this gift – the IRE and €1.2million funding – through the council, and he found it mystifying and disheartening and how it was turned down. 'He said he was very disappointed that the heads of terms of agreement were not honoured. He saw it as a gentleman's agreement. 'So the offer is no longer on the table as things stand, but I would hope there can be a positive outcome,' another source said. Advertisement Sources claimed that councillors expressed 'embarrassment' at the controversy however a number of councillors who attended the meeting declined to comment to waiting reporters who were not allowed inside. Limerick City and County Council also declined to comment, citing the meeting was held behind closed doors. Afterwards, McManus would not be drawn on the outcome of the meeting, he simply waved at journalists after he was asked 'did you get a deal?' The €30million sports attraction closed last December after just 12 months in operation, with the loss of 50 jobs. Earlier this week councillors apologised to McManus for the debacle. Outgoing District Cathaoirleach and Fianna Fáil Councillor Kieran O'Hanlon said prior to the meeting: 'I'm extremely disappointed and annoyed at the way the whole thing was handled. 'We have one of the biggest gifts coming to us from the greatest person Limerick ever had – JP McManus. Not only did we refuse it, but we insulted the McManus family in the process. 'I would like to apologise to JP McManus on behalf of the councillors for the way it was handled,' O'Hanlon also told the Limerick Post newspaper. Speaking on his way into today's meeting former Limerick mayor, Councillor Michael Collins, said councillors were 'not happy with the way things have happened with the IRE, and today is about JP setting the record straight'. 'It has been very disappointing for the McManus family because they have been very good to Limerick down through the years,' Collins said. Ahead of today's meeting, Limerick's first-ever directly elected mayor John Moran, who could not attend as he was abroad, said he had recently held meetings with McManus. He said he hoped there would be 'further open and constructive dialogue…to find a sustainable solution to secure the future' of the IRE building. The IRE said it delivered an estimated €7.8million boost to the local economy in its first year. Last year the Council said it was 'disappointed' with the IRE's decision to close its doors, and that it had made 'every effort' to secure the deal. The Council said it would have had to find 'substantial operational and capital funding' to continue running the Experience. Prior to today's meeting, a counter offer from Mayor Moran to utilise €300,000 of his Mayoral Fund to help keep the facility open for the next three years was rejected by the IRE. IRE chief executive Barry Hannon previously claimed that costings presented to councillors were 'over-inflated and were not included in the heads of agreement' which he said both parties had agreed in principal in August 2023. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
JP McManus meets councillors to 'clear the record' on Limerick rugby experience
Limerick councillors say they were 'surprised' to hear the chronology of events leading up to the closure of the International Rugby Experience (IRE), after JP McManus 'cleared the record' during a private meeting. Mr McManus met with the councillors for a 'workshop' to present the International Rugby Experience's 'side of things'. It is understood he initially read from a prepared speech and told councillors he had no intention to proceed 'any further discussions' with the council regarding his gift. He later on indicated he would reconsider, after being asked to by some councillors. According to one councillor, who wished to remain anonymous, 'nothing was confirmed either way". 'We could be told a definitive no in the weeks to come,' they said. The attraction, which welcomed 60,000 visitors in the 12 months it was open, closed its doors in December 2024, leading to the loss of 50 jobs. Mr McManus had offered the €30m building and additional funding of €1.2m to Limerick City and County Council — a gesture which had been refused by the council following worries about the costs of operating the attraction. It is understood that the aim is for the building to be used as a civic space in the future. According to some councillors, the situation was handled very poorly and there was 'misinformation' on what was happening. Elisa O'Donovan said she and her fellow councillors were not made aware or informed of the gift proposed by Mr McManus until a decision was already made by the council to decline the offer. After the meeting with Mr McManus, she said: 'It was a very productive workshop. We got a lot of clarification and answers on questions regarding the gifting of the IRE as a civic space for the people of Limerick. 'I believe that there is a commitment from Limerick council now for a positive way forward to use this gift as a central civic space for Limerick City. Ms O'Donovan stood by comments she made earlier, saying that there was 'a real level of misinformation' in relation to previous discourse. According to several councillors, the costs and figures which would be needed to run the building were 'not discussed'. A councillor who wished to remain anonymous said there was 'little to no anger' in the room during the meeting. 'It was a very regretful tone on all sides. The communication between the parties in springtime last year changed momentum and the energy dissipated. In my own view, it was handled badly. Councillors were surprised to hear the chronology of events,' they said. The councillor added there were 'no outcomes' to the meeting and it was 'all very much about the chain of events'. They just wanted to clear the record and present their side of things. It is understood Mr McManus and members of his family were there for about three hours, with councillors holding a follow-up meeting for an extra hour to discuss the workshop. Earlier this week, Limerick Metropolitan District cathaoirleach Kieran O'Hanlon apologised to Mr McManus and his wife on behalf of councillors. 'I'm extremely disappointed and annoyed at the way the whole thing was handled,' he said. 'We have one of the biggest gifts coming to us from one of the greatest people Limerick ever had — Mr McManus. Not only did we refuse it, but we insulted the McManus family in the process.' Due to prior commitments, Limerick mayor John Moran could not attend the meeting but said he recently had a meeting with Mr McManus and members of his family. Mr Moran had previously made it clear he wished a solution could be found to the closure of the museum, and had previously said he was willing to offer €300,000 from his mayoral fund — an offer which was rejected by the International Rugby Experience.
Extra.ie
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Extra.ie
JP McManus takes to the field as Limerick slammed for shock Dublin defeat
Billionaire businessman JP McManus was a shoulder to cry on for the Limerick hurling squad on Saturday following their shock loss against a 14-man Dublin team. The Treaty City were the heavy favourites entering the game which was held at Croke Park, and one might have thought it was all but done when Dublin captain Chris Crummey was sent off within the first 15 minutes of the game. However, Limerick were unable to use their extra player to their advantage with the two second-half goals within seconds of each other proving that Dublin were well able for the challenge. The Treaty City were the favourites entering the game which was held at Croke Park, and one might have thought it was all but done when Dublin captain Chris Crummey was sent off within the first 15 minutes of the game. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile After 70 minutes of play, along with injury time, the Dubs were victorious 2-24 (30) to 0-28, booking themselves a semi-final spot with Cork. Avid Limerick GAA supporter JP McManus was on the pitch moments after the final whistle, seen alongside a number of Limerick's star players as they dealt with the loss. It will be the first time the Limerick side won't contest an All-Ireland semi-final since 2018, with coach John Kiely extending best wishes to Dublin going forward. It will be the first time the Limerick side won't contest an All Ireland semi-final since 2018, with coach John Kiely extending best wishes to Dublin going forward. Pic: Daire Brennan/Sportsfile 'It's disappointing but it's the reality, we wish Dublin the very best of luck as they go forward now,' the Limerick coach said, 'That's it, we're done. 'Dublin deserve great credit for their performance, to win that game with 14 men for such a long period of time is a fantastic achievement for them.' Viewers and fans took to social media to have their say on the insane win for Dublin, with one writing: 'Deserved win for Dublin. Fair play.' Seamus Flanagan of Limerick. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile 'Sensed it was on & went for it. Can't help think the effects of that Munster final was still in the head for Limerick. Heart not fully in it.' Another shared: 'To call that poor by Limerick would be an understatement. Absolutely miles off it since Dublin were reduced to 14 men.' A third said: 'Fair play to Dublin, great battling performance despite being down a man for majority of game, Limerick's application disgraceful! No desire to win 50.50s, handle the ball with care, no urgency… got what we deserved, take nothing away from the Dubs though, well deserved.' Dublin meet Cork on Saturday, July 5 at Croke Park for the All Ireland semi-final, with the second semi-final taking place between Kilkenny and Tipperary on Sunday, July 6.
Irish Daily Mirror
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
JP McManus consoles Limerick players on pitch following shock Dublin loss
Limerick billionaire JP McManus was on the field of play as he met some of the dejected players following their shock All-Ireland quarter-final loss. Still All-Ireland favourites coming into the game, it looked like it would be a walk in the park for Limerick, with Dublin's captain Chris Crummey sent off in the opening 15 minutes. From there, Dublin battled to produce possibly the greatest shock in hurling history to win the quarter-final clash by three points and punch their ticket to the All-Ireland semi-final. McManus, who has been a long-time supporter of Limerick GAA, joined the players on the pitch afterwards as they licked their wounds after a loss and it is the first time since 2018 that Limerick will not compete in the All-Ireland semi-finals. "Losing is losing on my side, I can tell you," Limerick boss John Kiely said after the match. "It all hurts and it will hurt as much as it did last year. We wanted our season to continue, we wanted to be back in training next week and it's over now, that's it. "And that's sport, that's the competition. It's disappointing but it's the reality, we wish Dublin the very best of luck as they go forward now. That's it, we're done. "Dublin deserve great credit for their performance, to win that game with 14 men for such a long period of time is a fantastic achievement for them. "Things stuck for them today, when they went to catch a ball, it stuck, they were really good on restarts, ours and theirs, breaking ball was a real strength of theirs today, they were really, really good on the breaking ball. "And whenever they got the chance to go for goals, they were very accurate and they gave themselves a chance to win the game. When the opportunity to win the game came in the last 10 minutes, they seized those opportunities."
BreakingNews.ie
20-06-2025
- Business
- BreakingNews.ie
JP McManus to set record straight over costs that led to International Rugby Experience dispute
Limerick horse racing mogul and philanthropist, JP McManus, is to address the Mayor of Limerick and elected representatives at a closed door meeting at Limerick City and County Council headquarters over why the Council snubbed a 'gift' from him of a €30 million premier building and €1.2 million in funding last year. McManus is understood to be deeply hurt by the joint local authority's controversial decision to decline his offer of the International Rugby Experience (IRE) building, O'Connell Street, Limerick City, as well as funding for operating costs, and he will aim to set the record straight over costs associated with the not for profit charitable venture. Advertisement A difference of opinion between the Council and Mr McManus around the costs of operating the IRE led to the deal falling flat. The red-brick vaulted ceiling monolith, built to honour the global oval ball game, which was red-carpet launched by a host of rugby stars in 2023, has been gathering dust since its shock closure last December. 50 people were employed at the IRE which delivered an estimated €7.8 million boost to the local economy and 60,000 visitors in the 12 months it was open. Mr McManus who secured the 2027 Ryder Cup for Limerick at his five-star Adare Manor Hotel, is to address the Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, senior executives and elected representatives, at an in-camera briefing at Council Headquarters, Dooradoyle, next Thursday. Advertisement Limerick Fianna Fáil TD Willie O'Dea who has been critical of the Council's decision to decline Mr McManus's 'generous offer', said: 'The gift horse is still there and the Council is still looking at it in the mouth.' 'My view is that it is a fantastic facility for Limerick and certain commitments were made by the Council and it seems to me they weren't honoured, it's a tragedy to see it closed down now. 'In fairness to JP, he has put his money where his mouth is, he invested in it and developed it to a magnificent standard, and in my opinion, there is an onus on the council to utilise it in the interests of the people not just locally, but nationally,' added Deputy O'Dea. Local Labour councillor, Joe Leddin, argued, that while he accepted the Council executive, led by Mayor Moran, had bona fide concerns about the cost of running the IRE into the future, the planned meeting with Mr McManus Ono Thursday was a 'welcome' development. Advertisement 'To be fair to JP, he expended €30 million+ on the acquisition of the old building, the design and rebuild and operations, and its unfortunate now to see the facility closed in the heart of the city. 'I along with most, if not all, councillors would like to see the building used for something, but we have to be cognisant that councillors are in charge of public monies and therein lies the challenge,' said Cllr Leddin. Last May, the IRE said that Mr McManus's 'entirely debt free, gift' to the Council to run the IRE until 2028 and then, if it wished, to use the building 'for any civic purpose' thereafter, had been agreed with the local authority when Heads of Terms were signed by both parties in March 2024. The IRE explained it was 'unable to advance' the proposed deal with the Council, leading to the IRE's closure. Advertisement The IRE stated it's thanks to Irish rugby legends Paul O'Connell and Keith Wood for their 'fantastic assistance' in getting the not for profit charitable venture off the ground. In response, Limerick City Council said it was 'disappointed' with the IRE's decision to close its doors, and it argued that it had made 'very effort' to secure the deal. The Council added that it was 'unable to secure a viable path forward' after finding it would have had to find 'substantial operational and capital funding' to continue the project. A counter offer from Mayor Moran to use €300,000 of his Mayoral Fund to help keep the facility open for the next three years, was rejected by the IRE. IRE chief executive Barry Hannon claimed that figures presented to councillors were 'over-inflated and were not included in the heads of agreement' which both parties had agreed in in principal in August 2023. It's understood Mr McManus will address councillors about his disappointment at how the deal has turned sour, and will advise councillors about what he believes is the cost of running the building going forward.
