Philanthropist makes major donation

The biggest single donation to the Irish fundraising effort following the tsunami was made by JP McManus, one of Ireland's richest men, according to press reports.

It is not clear if the ‚€500,000 gift was made through the eponymous JP McManus Charitable Foundation which supports a range of social welfare, health and education projects or through one of Mr McManus's many businesses. He is a major shareholder in Manchester United and owns a number of very successful race horses.

The foundation was established with a ‚€64 million donation from McManus who favours projects in his hometown of Llimerick.