President visits McManus palace
Friday November 27 2009
WHILE the property market continues to suffer, one of the country's most wealthy men has celebrated the completion of his €100m mansion with a special guest -- the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese.
It has taken JP McManus more than five years to complete his stately home at Martinstown, Co Limerick, but he celebrated in style last weekend with a lavish housewarming party.
The President and her husband, Martin, travelled to the 40,000 sq ft home, where they were joined by invited guests, for the housewarming party to mark the completion of the biggest private residence in the country.
Earlier, the President had attended the €30m All-Ireland Scholarship Programme which is sponsored by Mr McManus.
The gala ceremony took place at the University of Limerick before the celebrations continued in Martinstown.
President McAleese described the Limerick man's well-known philanthropy as "legendary".
During last Saturday's event, in a grand reception area within the property, the President and her husband enjoyed an extensive menu which was served up by outside caterers who were drafted in for the special event.
The mansion is set on the rolling countryside of the McManus stud farm in Martinstown, south Limerick and boasts an expansive estate which ring-fences the home. Construction work began in 2005.
The final result is said to be a home befitting of one of Europe's richest men, who is a legend on the racecourses of Ireland and Britain, and one of the world's major currency dealers.
The global recession did not hinder the hiring of expert craftsmen from Italy who were contracted to work on the interior finishings. They put the final touches on the marble and granite furnishings.
- Barry Duggan
Irish Independent
