JP Mc Manus - Limerick Person of the Year 2010

Now in its 13th year, the Limerick Person of the Year Awards was set up to honour the achievements and success of local people.

A dozen high achievers in sport, business and voluntary work were in line for the prestigious 2010 award including European boxing champion Willie Casey; transatlantic rower Sean McGowan; Special Olympics volunteers; Southill Parish Priest Fr Pat Hogan; Concern Worldwide US director Siobhan Walsh and Mr. World, Kamal Ibrahim.

Legendary philanthropist JP McManus was named the 2010 Limerick Person of the Year for his outstanding contribution to charities in the Mid-West region at a gala awards ceremony in the Clarion Hotel, Limerick. Thanks to the 2010 JP McManus Invitational Pro-Am in Adare last July a record breaking €40m was raised for deserving causes in the Mid-West. Noreen McManus accepted the Limerick Person of the Year award on behalf of her husband who is currently in the United States.

Addressing those gathered, in a special video message from the US, Mr. McManus said he was sorry he couldn't be in attendance but was delighted and honoured to receive such a "wonderful award".

"It means so much to Noreen and my family that I have been selected as Limerick Person of the Year. I am very grateful to the many people who made our Pro-Am happen during the year. I would also like to acknowledge the great work done by the carers of the less fortunate in our society, also to the hundreds of volunteers who worked many hours to ensure the event went smoothly," said Mr. McManus.

His drive, coupled with his dedication to the event, which takes place every five years, has meant that local charities have benefited to the tune of €95 million since 1990.

While he spends much of his time abroad, Mr. McManus said he "cherishes every minute" he spends at home in Limerick with his family and friends.

Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Maria Byrne, said, "The Adare Pro-Am has been such a wonderful success because JP is at the helm. He is a man who has contributed so much to the social, community, educational and sporting life of Limerick yet remains unassuming and modest. On behalf of the people of Limerick, thank you JP for your selfless dedication to your city and county and you are a deserving winner of this award."

Friends of the Elderly Limerick (FOTE) got their own permanent space thanks to a 150,000 Euro donation from Mr. Mc Manus, who very recently also donated funds to provide them with a minibus. Trevor Bermingham the treasurer of FOTE who attended the awards and sat with JP's wife Noreen for the event, tells us that 'JP is considered a legend and hero by all at the centre.' We want to extend our gratitude and thanks for to JP for all he has done for Limerick and for what he has done for the elderly. He really is a godsend to the people of Limerick and he does so much unconditionally for our great city.'