Latest news with #JPMcManus
BreakingNews.ie
19 hours ago
- 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.
Irish Times
13-06-2025
- General
- Irish Times
‘If you hang tough, good things do happen': 17 people get keys to independent living apartments
Elaine Cook said she hit 'rock bottom' when her landlord sold her home and she ended up living in a tent. Limerick women's refuge Thomond House, run by approved housing body, Associated Charities Trust (ACT), stepped in and initially provided Ms Cook with temporary accommodation. On Thursday, ACT officially handed over the keys of new single-bed apartments to Ms Cook and 17 other people who were experiencing homelessness in Limerick. The mixed-tenancy 'Mirth' development, which provides long-term independent living to people with low incomes, was constructed at a cost of €5 million, including €4.5 million from the State directly, plus a €400,000 donation from the JP McManus Charitable Trust. READ MORE 'When they told me I had got the apartment I broke down in tears, but all I can say is, if you hang tough, good things do happen,' Ms Cook said. 'Living in a tent was absolutely horrendous. I was lying on cardboard in my tent trying to keep myself warm, it was horrendous, trying to be clean,' she said. 'Nobody should be homeless in this day and age,' she said, adding that, in her opinion, people who are used to living in secure accommodation, particularly public servants/politicians tasked with tackling the housing crisis, 'have no understanding' of the reality of homelessness. 'Until you've actually gone through it, you don't understand what it's like,' she continued, and she called for more social housing schemes to reduce homelessness. Thanking ACT and staff at Thomond House for helping her through homelessness, Ms Cook said that now she has a secure roof over her head 'every day is a good day'. Fellow resident 'Ger' (70s), who experienced a relationship break-up and struggled to find adequate accommodation as 'a single older man', praised the scheme: 'The apartment here is luxurious compared to what I've been used to, and because I've had mental health issues over the course of my life, having this place is a great relief to me. I know now that this is here until they carry me out in a coffin.' Erin O'Shaughnessy and Teresa Nolan, who are accessing emergency accommodation and services at Thomond House in Limerick, but are still locked out of long-term housing. Photograph: David Raleigh Erin O'Shaughnessy (24) and Teresa Nolan (59) are both residing in temporary accommodation at Thomond House refuge located across the street from Mirth, but they both remain locked out of long-term housing. Last December, Ms O'Shaughnessy suffered a cardiac arrest while sleeping rough during a storm. The skilled artist said that living without long-term accommodation is 'scary' but, she said, overcoming her personal struggles has placed her in a better position to find a forever home. Her message to the Department of Housing is to 'prioritise funding' in order to build more affordable homes and ease pressure on the 'housing crisis'. 'There's really sad cases out there, and it breaks your heart to see it, but that's our reality,' she added. Life on the margins has left Teresa Nolan, (60), from Ardnacrusha, Co Clare, struggling to hold to her dream of having her own home. 'I want to move on from Thomond House and get my own little place, something that would suit me, because I've got a walking aid. The refuge is a stepping stone to somewhere else,' said Ms Nolan, who has resided at the refuge for a year and half waiting for adequate housing. The apartment block is already at capacity with 11 female residents and seven men. All residents must meet strict criteria including that they are 50 years old or more, that they are 'registered' on the local authority housing list, that they pass an assessment for living independently and that they 'must be linked to a category of homelessness'.
The Sun
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Willie Mullins snaps up ‘promising' new jockey who rode incredible 150-1 winner
WILLIE MULLINS has snapped up a 'promising' new jockey - as an army of new recruits start arriving at his Closutton HQ. Anna McGuinness banged in her first winner for the all-conquering trainer with victory aboard the JP McManus-owned I Am River at Kilbeggan on Sunday. 2 2 Sent off 15-8, the six-year-old made all after 517 days off to win by two-and-a-quarter lengths from Gavin Cromwell's 100-30 In The Trenches. McGuinness came in for praise from McManus' racing manager Frank Berry afterwards. And this success could pave the way to a whole load more rides in the future. She got the leg up on Mullins' A Penny A Hundred in the recent Mayo National at Ballinrobe, finishing third and picking up a cheque for £7,500. Victory on I Am River came on just her third ride for Mullins - who keeps a close eye on Anna when she rides work at his Cork yard. Beaming Berry said: "The horse jumped great and got a lovely ride from Anna. "She got him into a lovely rhythm, and you'd be delighted with him. "Anna is riding out in Willie's and finished third in the Mayo National and couldn't have done better." Incredibly, McGuinness' first ever win came on freak 150-1 outsider Feast in a Downpatrick bumper in July 2023. Labelled a very 'promising' conditional rider, McGuinness has three career wins but will surely bang in a load more given the chance. Her addition to Mullins ' jockey ranks comes as he continues to add fresh talent to his massive squad of horses. Among them is £125,000 point-to-point purchase Bentraghhill. Mullins' trusted right-hand man Harold Kirk gave the winning bid for the 'gorgeous' four-year-old at the sales last week. He comes from Wilson Dennison, who previously owned Mullins stars Yorkhill, Shaneshill and Bellshill. Meanwhile, Audrey Turley, who owns Galopin Des Champs, has sent Looking For Eight to Mullins. And point-to-point winner Arcadian Emperor is another to have arrived recently. That lot will be joined by . . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who:
Irish Independent
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Dates for 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor revealed
The dates for the 100th anniversary of the biennial contest, announced by Ryder Cup Europe, will have three days of competition between Europe and the United States, from Friday, September 17 - Sunday, September 19. Following the conclusion of this year's contest, which takes place at Bethpage Black in New York in September, Adare Manor will officially become the next host venue of the Ryder Cup. It will be the second time Ireland has hosted the Ryder Cup, having previously done so in 2006 when Team Europe, under the captaincy of Ian Woosnam, defeated the US by a record margin of 18½ - 9½ at The K Club. Guy Kinnings, European Tour CEO, said: 'The official announcement of the dates is always a significant milestone in the Ryder Cup journey for a country and a venue, and we're delighted to today confirm details for the 2027 contest at Adare Manor. 'Rory McIlroy's victory in the Masters last month to complete the career Grand Slam, combined with anticipation of July's Open Championship, has already heightened the buzz around golf on the island of Ireland. This announcement will add to that excitement as Ireland continues its preparation to host golf's greatest team competition for the second time in 2027 when the Ryder Cup celebrates its 100th anniversary. 'Hosting a Ryder Cup is a huge collective effort and our thanks therefore go to the Government of Ireland, to JP McManus and the team at Adare Manor and to Limerick City and County Council for their continued support over the next two-and-a-half years.' Adare Manor owner JP McManus said: 'We are honoured to be hosting one of global sports biggest events at Adare Manor. Now the dates have been announced, the anticipation for the 2027 Ryder Cup will continue to grow as we countdown to becoming the next host venue.'
Irish Daily Mirror
28-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Daily Mirror
Dates and ticket registration released for Ryder Cup at Adare Manor
JP McManus' Adare Manor will host the centenary staging of the Ryder Cup from September 13-19 in 2027. The prestige course in Limerick is the venue for the return of the biennial competition to these shores for the first time since it was held at the K Club in 2006 - the first time that Ireland staged the Ryder Cup. The dates announced include four build-up days - Monday, September 13 through Thursday, September 16 - that will be followed by three days of competition between Europe and the US from Friday, September 17 to Sunday, September 19. Those interested in premium tickets that will be available to purchase later this year can register interest here. There will also be opportunities to volunteer to be part of the 2027 Ryder Cup, details of which will also be announced towards the end of this year. 'We are honoured to be hosting one of global sports biggest events at Adare Manor," said JP McManus. "Now the dates have been announced, the anticipation for the 2027 Ryder Cup will continue to grow as we countdown to becoming the next host venue. 'Hosting golf's greatest team contest will provide many economic benefits to the Irish economy and the south west community in particular, with thousands of people travelling to be part of the Ryder Cup's 100th anniversary. 'We look forward to welcoming the many international visitors to Ireland, Limerick and Adare in two years' time and to showcasing our island to a global audience.' Situated on the River Maigue, the Tom Fazio designed course hosted the Irish Open in 2007 that was won by Pádraig Harrington in the run-up to his first major title victory. The venue has also hosted the JP McManus Pro-Am in 2005, 2010 and 2022. Guy Kinnings, CEO of the European Tour Group, said: 'The official announcement of the dates is always a significant milestone in the Ryder Cup journey for a country and a venue, and we're delighted to today confirm details for the 2027 contest at Adare Manor. 'Rory McIlroy's victory in the Masters last month to complete the career Grand Slam, combined with anticipation of July's Open Championship, has already heightened the buzz around golf on the island of Ireland. "This announcement will add to that excitement as Ireland continues its preparation to host golf's greatest team competition for the second time in 2027 when the Ryder Cup celebrates its 100th anniversary. 'Hosting a Ryder Cup is a huge collective effort and our thanks therefore go to the Government of Ireland, to JP McManus and the team at Adare Manor and to Limerick City and County Council for their continued support over the next two-and-a-half years.' Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan, highlighted the Government's support for the event. "We have adopted a whole of Government approach to ensure that Ireland successfully hosts the event in 2027, showcasing the many valuable benefits the island of Ireland has as a tourism and golfing destination, and ensure the legacy participation benefit for the sport," said O'Donovan. 'The passion of Irish people for golf makes Ireland really stand out internationally as a golfing venue. For Ryder Cup week, the eyes of the sporting world will be on the beautiful village of Adare. "And I am confident that the local community of Adare and the people of Limerick and Ireland generally, will ensure that this event is a wonderful success and that all who attend will want to return to visit Ireland again.' This year's Ryder Cup will take place on US soil at Bethpage Black, where Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry will be part of the European team that will most likely face a hostile atmosphere in September.
