Latest news with #McManus
The Journal
2 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
2 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.
The Journal
21-06-2025
- Business
- The Journal
JP McManus to address Limerick councillors after Rugby Expo 'gift' snubbed by local authority
BUSINESSMAN JP MCMANUS is to address the Mayor of Limerick and elected representatives at a closed-door meeting at Limerick City and County Council headquarters next week. The group will discuss why the council's controversial decision to decline his 'gift' of the €30m International Rugby Experience building on O'Connell Street in Limerick City as well as €1.2m in operating costs. It is understood that McManus hopes to set the record straight over costs associated with the charitable venture, which fell through over a difference of opinion between them around the costs of operating the building. The building, built to honour rugby, was launched by a host of rugby stars in 2023 and has been gathering dust since its shock closure last December . Fifty people were employed at the International Rugby Experience. It delivered an estimated €7.8m boost to the local economy and received 60,000 visitors in the 12 months that it was open. McManus, who secured the 2027 Ryder Cup for Limerick at his five-star Adare Manor Hotel, is to address the council on Thursday. Mayor of Limerick John Moran, senior executives and elected representatives will be in attendance. Limerick Fianna Fáil TD Willie O'Dea has been critical of the council's decision to decline McManus's 'generous offer'. He said: 'The gift horse is still there and the council is still looking at it in the mouth.' Advertisement 'My view is that it is a fantastic facility for Limerick and certain commitments were made by the council,' he said. 'It seems to me they weren't honoured. It's a tragedy to see it closed down now.' Labour councillor Joe Leddin argued that while he accepted the council executive and Moran had concerns about the future cost of running the building, the planned meeting with McManus on Thursday was a 'welcome' development. He said: 'To be fair to JP, he expended €30million+ on the acquisition of the old building, the design and rebuild and operations, and it's unfortunate now to see the facility closed in the heart of the city.' The International Rugby Experience was offered to the council last May as a 'debt-free gift'. It was proposed that the council would continue running the exhibition until 2028 and then, if it wished, the local authority could take control of the building for civic purposes. An agreement was reached in March 2024 with the local authority when the Head of Terms were signed by both parties, the International Rugby Experience claims. However, it was 'unable to advance' the deal and the building closed. In response, Limerick City Council said it was 'disappointed' with the International Rugby Experience's decision to close its doors and argued that it had made 'very effort' to secure the deal. It 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. Chief executive of the experience Barry Hannon has claimed that the figures presented to councillors were 'over inflated'. Moran had offered to use €300,000 from the Mayoral fund to keep the building open, but the offer was rejected. McManus will address councillors about his disappointment at how the deal has turned sour, it is understood. 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
Daily Record
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Stephen McManus identifies sizzling Celtic prospect destined for the top as B team boss makes a candid admission
Big Mick is convinced the next generation of stars are ready to break through at Parkhead Every Celtic youngster dreams of following in the footsteps of poster Bhoys James Forrest, Callum McGregor and Kieran Tierney. But Stephen McManus knows better than most that only a handful will ever make it all the way. Now B team boss, the former Hoops captain is hellbent on streamlining the route from the youth set-up to the first-team. As an academy graduate himself, Big Mick is a shining example for the current crop learning their trade at Lennoxtown. The ex-defender rose through the ranks, captained Celts to title glory and led them into the last 16 of the Champions League. These days, it's his job to nurture the next generation of stars. And while the road to Brendan Rodgers' top team is anything but straightforward, McManus insists there will always be a pathway. He said: "Yeah, listen, that's what pre-season is for as well. This is my fourth year with the B team and we've been really lucky that over the last three years, we've got boys that have played, after under-18s, they've played 150 games. "They've played 50-odd games a season, which after under-18s, you don't always get. We're lucky that we've got that. "Like I say, our job is to try and prepare the boys for first-team football. Hopefully, it's here. Absolutely. "We've been lucky this year, I think. Francis Turley made his debut this year. Jude Bonner made his debut this year. Sean McArdle came on and made his debut towards the end of the season. "And then you've got the boys that have been out on loan as well. You've got Ben Summers, Matthew Andersons as well. "So it's been a really productive season again for us. But ultimately, we want to make sure we try and do our best to help the manager and the first-team staff to be able to say, 'Right, these are what we've got. Are they ready to fit into the first-team squad?' "That's what pre-season is for. As a young player, you get an opportunity. You'll get an opportunity, whether it's in pre-season or every day that you come to work, every day that you're then performing for your club, whether you're at the football club or you're at somebody else on loan. "So it's difficult. It's difficult, of course it is. That's why the people that come through are so limited. "But when you look at the success that we've had with boys that are playing football at other clubs, it's great." With Greg Taylor vacating the No.3 jersey, there could soon be an opportunity for a homegrown talent to step up. Returning hero Tierney will reclaim his place at left-back - but his injury record means Rodgers will need to manage his minutes carefully. Rising star Matthew Anderson is among the most highly-rated emerging talents at Lennoxtown. Dubbed 'the next KT' by coach Greig Robertson, the defender spent last season on loan in Austria with feeder club Admira Wacker. Now 21, this summer could prove to be make-or-break. McManus said: "He's got a massive future in the game, absolutely massive. He's a terrific boy with a brilliant family, and again, you can only stay with us, with the B team, for a couple of seasons. "Matthew outgrew the B team two years ago. That's why he's not played for the B team. That's why the next stage of his development was to go out and loan. "Some people make their debut at 16 and then go and play for the rest of their careers. Some people are 21, 20, they need to go a different route. That's fine, that's fine. "But what you need to do is, when you get an opportunity, you need to try and become a football player, and that's what Matthew's done. "He's a terrific boy, terrific worker for a terrific family, and he'll be a top player. He'll be a top player." For aspiring players, there are few better role models than Forrest, McGregor and Tierney. Forrest recently overtook Lisbon Lion Bobby Lennox to become Celtic's most decorated player, with 26 trophies to his name. Skipper McGregor - whose own breakthrough came via a loan to Notts County - is only two major honours behind. And Tierney famously banked the club a record £25million fee in 2019, only to return on a free six years later. Speaking to promote next month's friendly clash with Newcastle United at Parkhead, McManus added: "You need that here, where it's so important that people can relate. The boys that have been here, that have done it. "I've spoken about this before, but when I look back over 20-odd years, boys that have come through the football club, you want them making an impact. "Making an impact is not just playing now and again. You want to contribute. You want to play five games. You want to play 50 games. You want to play 100 games. You want to play in the first team. "You need people that have done it, basically, just to prove, listen, if they can do it, there's no reason why the other boys can't do it. "That's where Kieran falls into it, Callum falls into it, and James falls into it. It's great, but it's a hard slog. "Of course it is, but you need the right types of people that are leading the football club, and that's what we've got here at the moment."
Scotsman
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Celtic land 'massive bonus' with latest transfer deal
McManus sees more than just a left-back with return of Tierney to Celtic Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... It's not often a Scottish football club lands the complete package football signing for free, but there is a strong argument for such a scenario in the case of Celtic and Kieran Tierney. The Scotland defender's return to Celtic, six years after leaving for Arsenal, was confirmed on Tuesday afternoon. Tierney has penned a five-year contract with his boyhood club and his return has been warmly welcomed by all of a Celtic persuasion. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The left-back won his 50th cap for Scotland against Iceland earlier this month and comes back to Glasgow with experience of the English Premier League with the Gunners, plus a season on loan with Real Sociedad in La Liga. He is comfortable playing as a centre-half these days and, as Celtic B coach Stephen McManus points out, has plenty of miles left to put on the clock. Kieran Tierney has returned to Celtic on a five-year deal. | SNS Group 'Listen, it's massive,' McManus said of Tierney's homecoming. 'The biggest thing is the age that he's at, coming back. It's not as if he's coming back with two years to go within his career. He's still got his full career ahead of him, which is great. You look at the knowledge that he's then gained, being at Arsenal, being away, playing in major tournaments now for Scotland as well. I think it's brilliant. I think it's really, really good. The fact that he's coming and hopefully he's got a good few years ahead of him. He can stay fit and he can bring his personality and his quality to not just the football team, but to the whole football club.' McManus – a true leader in the Celtic teams he played in and now a coach of youngsters – knows a thing or two about setting examples. He believes the influence Tierney can have on the dressing-room as well as on the pitch is just as important to manager Brendan Rodgers. 'It's probably one of the biggest things once you become that kind of experienced player,' continued McManus, speaking to promote Celtic's friendly with Newcastle United next month. 'When you're young and you're developing and you're playing, you play with no fear, but then the older you get, you start to then take interest in a lot more of what goes on around the football club. How you conduct yourself on the pitch, how you conduct yourself off the pitch, especially a club like here, it becomes really important. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A Celtic captain-in-waiting 'You can see that with Callum [McGregor], you can see that with James [Forrest], the ones that have come through the academy structure here for a long period of time. They're very similar in their personalities and that's really important. Kieran's going to then bring that as well. Again, he's younger than the other two boys, so it's going to be a massive, massive bonus not just for the football club, but also for the national team as well.' McManus accepts the notion that Celtic have another captain-in-waiting in Tierney. 'You never know what's around the corner,' he said. 'I think if Callum doesn't play for whatever reason, there's somebody that's got the personality, he's got the profile, he's got the ability. But like I said, it's just a brilliant signing for the football club because he brings so much on the pitch and so much off the pitch. 'You need people that know the football club to take it on to the next level because you're always educating the next ones that then come. But first and foremost, Kieran's a top, top footballer. He's not coming back because he's a Celtic fan. I think that's important as well. He's coming back because he's a top, top footballer and he's going to bring his experiences, his knowledge and his qualities so that he can then help our football club move forward.' Even at the relatively tender age of 28, Tierney is now the fourth oldest player in the current squad. 'Your job once you become an experienced player is to educate the younger ones and that's when you speak of the business model of the football club,' added McManus. 'What's the recruitment strategy? What does it look like? So Kieran fits that bill because, again, he knows the club but he's a fantastic footballer and his best years are still ahead of him.
