J. P. McManus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
J. P. McManus
|
|
|---|---|
J.P. McManus in 2010
|
|
| Born | 10 March 1951 Limerick, Ireland
|
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Spouse(s) | Noreen McManus |
| Children | 3 |
John Patrick McManus (born on March 10, 1951) is a very successful Irish businessman and owner of many racehorses. He used to own a large part of the famous football club Manchester United until 2005.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
J.P. McManus was born in Limerick, Ireland. He was the oldest of five brothers. He went to school at the Christian Brothers School on Sexton Street. He started his career working at his father's equipment rental company. When he was 21, he got a special license to be a bookmaker, which meant he could take bets at the Limerick Greyhound track.
Business Ventures
J.P. McManus is known for his smart business moves. In 1994, he started a company called Leicosa SA in Geneva, Switzerland. This company mainly trades in different currencies. He also has other companies that invest in properties across the UK and Ireland.
He often invests in businesses with other well-known people like John Magnier and Dermot Desmond. Together, they own a successful group of nursing homes called Barchester Healthcare. They also have investments in Mitchells & Butlers, a company that owns many pubs and restaurants.
In 1998, McManus was part of a group that bought Sandy Lane, a fancy resort in Barbados. They rebuilt the resort, making it very luxurious. In 2014, he bought Adare Manor in Ireland. This beautiful place was closed for two years for big renovations, including a major upgrade to its golf course. Adare Manor is set to host the important Ryder Cup golf tournament in 2027.
Sports and Achievements
J.P. McManus is very involved in the world of sports, especially horse racing and golf.
Horse Racing Success
.jpg)
McManus is a famous racehorse owner. His horses wear special green and yellow racing silks, which are known all over the world. His first horse was named Cill Dara.
He has had amazing success at the Cheltenham Festival, which is a very important horse racing event. He has won over 80 races there, making him the most successful owner in the festival's history! Some of his famous winners include Istabraq, who won four times, and Buveur D'Air, who gave him his 50th win. His horse Synchronised won the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Inothewayurthinkin won the 2025 Cheltenham Gold Cup.
McManus has also won the famous Grand National race multiple times. His horse Don't Push It won in 2010. In 2021, his horse Minella Times won with jockey Rachael Blackmore. In 2024, I Am Maximus won, giving him his third Grand National victory.
Besides owning horses, McManus also owns training and stud facilities. These include Jackdaws Castle, where champion jockey Jonjo O'Neill trains horses, and Martinstown Stud in Ireland.
Golf and Tournaments
McManus owns Adare_Manor, which has a golf course redesigned by Tom Fazio. This course hosted the Irish Open in 2007 and 2008. It will also host the 2027 Ryder Cup, a major international golf competition.
He also started the J.P. McManus Pro-Am golf tournament in 1990. This event brings together professional golfers and celebrities to raise money for charity. The tournament has raised huge amounts of money over the years. Famous golfers like Tiger Woods have played in it. The event moved to Adare Manor in 2005 and has continued to raise millions for good causes.
Manchester United Connection
In 2000, McManus and John Magnier started investing in the football club Manchester United. They gradually increased their ownership to nearly 25% by 2003. However, they later sold their shares in the club.
Limerick GAA Support
In 2023, J.P. McManus became the honorary lifetime president of Limerick GAA, which is a big deal in Irish sports. He has been a sponsor and supporter of the team for almost twenty years.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
.jpg)
J.P. McManus is married to Noreen McManus. They have three children and four grandchildren. He is known to be good friends with golfer Tiger Woods and his former jockey AP McCoy.
He owns several impressive properties, including a large home in Killmallock, Ireland, and mansions in Barbados and London. He also owns a private jet and a helicopter, which is painted green and yellow to match his racing silks.
McManus is a keen golfer himself and has won team challenges at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland.
Helping Others (Philanthropy)
J.P. McManus is very generous and has given a lot of money to help others. In 2008, he started the All Ireland Scholarships scheme. This program gives financial help to 125 students across Ireland every year to support their education.
He also has a charitable foundation that has made large donations to various causes. In 2012, he received an award from Prince Albert II in Monaco for his charity work in Ireland. During the Coronavirus pandemic, he donated important equipment to the University Hospital Limerick.
In December 2023, McManus announced a huge donation of €1 million to Gaelic games in every county in Ireland. This followed a previous donation of €100,000 to each county in 2018.
The International Rugby Experience in Limerick was built with support from the J.P. McManus Foundation and opened in May 2023.
Health
McManus was diagnosed with cancer in late 2008. After receiving treatment, he recovered well.
