Mystery surrounds philanthropist who donated €5m

THE identity of an Irish philanthropist who has donated €5 million to the University of Limerick for the development of its College of Business remained a closely guarded secret last night.

However, there was speculation yesterday that millionaire businessman JP McManus made the donation.

“This is a wonderful gift and very generous benefaction,” said UL president, Professor Roger Downer. “The gift reflects not only vision and foresight, but also great trust and confident in our capacity to further develop our College of Business to the highest international standards.”

The College of Business will be re-named The Jim Kemmy Business School in memory of one of Limerick’s most colourful politicians.

Prof Downer said the benefactor was keen to honour the former Mayor of Limerick and to help develop the quality and capacity of the University’s College of Business.

“The funding will enable a new state-of-the-art Business School building to be built alongside the present Schumann building, thus allowing all business faculty and staff to be brought together in the same location,” said the President.

“It is particularly encouraging to note this is one of the largest gifts given by an Irish philanthropist to an Irish university,” said Prof.Downer.

UL’s Business School has more than 2,500 students and 75 faculty engaged in the delivery of a range of business undergraduate, postgraduate, executive, professional and post-experience programmes.