Billionaire JP McManus fights back tears in meeting over International Rugby Experience snub

Billionaire horse racing mogul JP McManus fought back tears at a highly charged meeting with Limerick City and County Council, Thursday, after it snubbed his offer of the debt-free €30 million International Rugby Experience (IRE) and a €1.2 million donation.

Mr 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 Mr McManus and his family at the closed meeting, but that the gift was no longer on the table “as things stand” however it could yet be salvaged, they said.

Mr 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 Mr McManus with the prestigious title of Honorary Freeman of Limerick.

In 2011, the council included Mr 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.”

Mr 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