Limerick business community honour JP McManus

/ 20th November 2022 /

Philanthropist JP McManus has paid tribute to his native city and county for its passion and pride as he received the Limerick Chamber President’s Award for 2022, the Mid-West region business community’s highest accolade,

The Chamber said the award was in recognition of McManus’s impact on the region, not least Adare Manor, recently named as the number one Resort in the World by Conde Nast Traveler Reader's Choice Awards 2022.

The award citation also referenced the JP McManus Foundation and JP McManus Benevolent Fund.

Nine other companies and organisations were recognised through the Regional Business Awards programme, with the ‘Business of the Year’ award going to global medical devices company Stryker.

Receiving the President’s award, McManus said that it was recognition of the work of many, from his family to the legions across Limerick who support the events and organisations that he has been involved in.

McManus said that Limerick and the region is "going in the right direction”, but emphasized that its future very much lies in, and is underpinned by, the quality of education.

“My family and I are just so proud to receive this award,” he added. “It’s a really special night for us. But this is an award that’s really for a large number of people as you do not get anything done on your own.

“An example of this is all those who come out on Good Friday for the Team Limerick Clean Up, or all the other activities, from the golf pro-am to the scholarships, that I’m lucky to be involved in,” he said.

“You know, if you've an idea or a thought and they believe in it, you get great support for it in Limerick.

“Limerick has so much to offer, not least in terms of talent for companies. When an organisation, be it a multinational or one of our own, is setting up in Ireland, the first thing they look at is what talent is available to them.

“We're fortunate here in Limerick with our three third level institutions as they are really forward thinking, doing everything they can to bring investment into the region. The role of our universities is key to our future.”

Left to right: Cian Foley, Sue Ann McManus, JP McManus, Noreen McManus, Donal Cantillon, and Dee Ryan, CEO Limerick Chamber. Pic Arthur Ellis

Chamber president Donal Cantillon singled out the McManus scholarships for hundreds of boys at his Sexton Street CBS alma mater, along with a third level education scholarship scheme.

McManus has also funded the International Rugby Experience, a visitor experience situated in the heart of Limerick city celebrating the game of rugby which is scheduled to open in 2023.

Cantillon added: “We all know about JP McManus' generosity but what we equally know is that his generosity is matched by his humility, his modesty. An acknowledgement like this tonight will not sit comfortably with him, but this is a long overdue award on behalf as the business community here.”