JP gave €4m to Thomond revamp
Mr Whelan led the committee which completed the €40m redevelopment of Thomond Park on time and within budget.
The sensational announcement that JP McManus had contributed €4m to the Thomond Park development has taken the rugby world by surprise.
Mr McManus who is a staunch GAA follower has, in the past, contributed €5m to the Gaelic Grounds development in Limerick.
Mr McManus is one of the most generous benefactors to a wide range of charities in the midwest and his international Pro Am classic which has attracted players such as Tiger Woods has raised more than €30m for a wide range of midwest charities over the last 15 years.
Mr Whelan dedicated the award to Shane Geoghegan, the 28-year-old Garryowen rugby player who was gunned down last November.
Pat Whelan played rugby for Garryowen, Munster and Ireland and was hooker on the side which defeated the All Blacks in the famous victory in Thomond Park in 1978.
After his playing days he went on to be head coach of the Ireland international side.
At a gala function last night in Limerick’s Clarion Hotel, Mr Whelan paid tribute to his colleagues in the Thomond Park development committee, including Garret Fitzgerald, chief executive of the IRFU Munster branch, John Hartery and Ken Lyons.
He praised the local residents at Knockalisheen Road who agreed to sell their houses to enable the project to go ahead.
He also thanked Limerick city manager, Tom Mackey, and his officials for facilitating the redevelopment. Mr Whelan said: “The new Thomond Park is an iconic landmark which shows the true Limerick across the world.”
