Chuck's conference centre: New facility in Limerick honours legacy of philanthropist

CHUCK Feeney, who founded Castletroy Park Hotel and donated millions to University of Limerick, has had a new conference centre built in his honour.

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe cut the ribbon at the new facility, named: Conference Centre @ Castletroy Park Hotel. The conference centre was constructed to pay tribute to the Irish-American businessman and philanthropist, and has been backed by an investment of €2.5m, with the opening ceremony held in his honour.

At the official opening Mr Donohoe said: “The dedication reflects the impact Chuck Feeney’s philanthropy has had on the region, and it will be a welcome addition to the event and business landscape in the city and wider region.

PICTURES: New conference centre opens in Limerick

“Recent years have seen Limerick become a hub of investment and innovation, which has been a firm focus of Government. The centre is the modernisation of that first vision that Chuck had for UL and Limerick.”

Mr Feeney is best known as the co-founder of Duty Free Shoppers and for giving away almost his entire multi-billion-dollar fortune through his foundation, The Atlantic Philanthropies.

He became one of the most significant private donors in the country’s history, supporting universities, health initiatives, and peace efforts.

Limerick, in particular, benefited enormously from his generosity: Mr Feeney was a driving force behind the transformation of the University of Limerick into a world-class institution, funding key buildings, research facilities, and scholarships.

Supermac’s founder Pat McDonagh, who now owns Castletroy Park Hotel with wife Una, said the new conference hub marks the “extraordinary legacy of Chuck Feeney, whose generosity and vision continue to inspire us.”