JP McManus undergoes cancer treatment in US

RENOWNED gambler and racehorse owner JP McManus has undergone treatment for prostate cancer at a clinic in the US, it was learned yesterday.

He is due to fly into Shannon today by private jet and travel on to his Martinstown Stud home near Kilmallock to convalesce.

An unnamed friend said Mr McManus, 58, will be taking things easy for a while as he recovers.

His wife, Noreen, who is a qualified nurse, accompanied him to the US.

It is believed McManus was diagnosed with cancer seven weeks ago and was put in contact with a top US-based specialist.

Speculation about his health began when he did not attend the US Masters in Augusta two weeks ago or the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse over Easter.

In recent months, JP has been busy organising the next JP McManus Invitation Pro Am, to be held at Adare Manor in July 2010.

The golf tournament, held every five years, has raised in excess of e70 million for Limerick charities. Up to e30m was raised at the 2005 tournament.

Tiger Woods and Padraig Harrington have already confirmed they will play in Adare next year.

JP donated e4m towards the cost of the new e40m Thomond Park and also gave e5m to the Limerick GAA.

Mr McManus spends his working life in Geneva, where he has a home and an office.

The unnamed friend told a Limerick newspaper: “He is as enthusiastic as ever, and it is still all systems go. This is just a small setback and JP is rearing to go. He is making a good recovery and is due back in Ireland [today] and is looking forward to coming home and taking it easy for a while.

Mr McManus, who has been named Irish Philantropist of the Year for his fundraising for a wide range of charities, has over 100 horses in training in this country and England.

He owns the famous Jackdaws Castle racing stables in Gloucestershire where Jonjo O’Neill is the resident trainer.