JP McManus announced on Thursday that he was donating €1million to every GAA county board in Ireland.
The donation from McManus' Charitable Foundation is to be evenly divided between GAA, camogie and ladies Gaelic football clubs across the country.
Following the announcement, McManus' tax affairs have once again been brought into the spotlight, with some people criticising the businessman for being a tax resident in Switzerland.
READ MORE:JP McManus' response to tax exile claims as businessman donates €1million to every GAA county board
Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore said on X, formerly known as Twitter: "I know this is a stretch.. but maybe just pay taxes here.. you know, for all those less PR worthy initiatives like education, health care, public transport.."
People Before Profit Councillor for North Clondalkin, Palmerstown, Lucan Madeleine Johansson tweeted: "Just pay your f*cking taxes."
There were numerous other similar comments directed at McManus online, but a number of people also defended the huge racehorse owner.
Fianna Fail TD for Limerick City Willie O'Dea stated: "JP McManus employs hundreds, pays tax on what he earns here, set up a company abroad & pays tax there. Nothing wrong with that. He voluntarily donates millions of his own money to good causes. Let's leave the envy to one side & celebrate what's being done!"
Trainer Fergal O'Brien also hit back at those criticising McManus, writing: "Twitter is unsurpassed eh?
"People decrying JP McManus donating €32 million because it’s only the same as them donating €500 as a percentage of their net worth.
"Even though they haven’t donated that aforementioned €500 themselves.
"FFS"
McManus has been a long-time sponsor of Limerick GAA, who were among the first of the county boards to thank the 72-year-old for his donation.
They said: "Limerick GAA are delighted to announce that they have received a €1,000,000.00 donation from the JP & Noreen Mc Manus and family to distribute evenly to the GAA, Camogie and Ladies Football clubs within the county.
"Clubs have this morning been notified of the news. The funds which will be distributed before Christmas will greatly help clubs as they prepare their plans for the 2024 season."
The GAA themselves later thanked McManus and his wife Noreen for the generous donation.
A statement said: "The GAA would like to acknowledge and thank JP McManus, his wife Noreen, and their children for their incredible generosity on the news today that they are donating €1m to all 32 counties for distribution to clubs across the Gaelic Games family."
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