More McManus millions for lucky Limerick

JP MCMANUS’ love affair with Limerick GAA did not end with his recent €5m donation to help ease the €12m debt on the revamped Gaelic Grounds.

According to a report in today’s Limerick Leader, the multi-millionaire businessman and main shareholder in Manchester United has again come to the rescue of the County Board by offering to sponsor all county teams for a three-year period.

It is reported that contracts were exchanged at his Martinstown Stud, and home to Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Istrabraq, yesterday.

A Limerick county board source would not confirm or deny the story, but admitted a press conference to announce a new sponsorship package is likely to be held next week.

The Leader claims the three-year deal with McManus is “quite considerable”.

The logo on team gear has yet to be decided but according to insiders, it was McManus’ wish not to be personally identified.

The Red Cow Moran Hotel group had been sponsors for the last four years and Limerick had been involved in talks with potential sponsors before McManus stepped in.

At a recent county board meeting, chairman Pat Fitzgerald warned that expenditure on county teams in 2004 was the highest ever and that full details would be revealed at the December convention.

McManus is a devoted Limerick fan and the county has not won the All-Ireland senior hurling title since 1973.

Joe McKenna, a friend of McManus’, was on that team and has been brought on board as a senior hurling team selector. He served as liaison officer last year.