‘My idea is use wealth to help people’

To the casual eye, Chuck Feeney could pass for an ordinary Irish-American on a visit to the home country.

The 81-year-old self-made billionaire, who earned his fortune from pioneering duty-free shopping in the 1960s, has shunned ostentatious displays of wealth.

When flying to Ireland he usually travels standard class, favouring public transport over taxis, staying in non-luxurious accommodation and reportedly still wears a $15 watch he bought many years ago.