JP McManus launches fresh initiative for good causes across Limerick

GOOD causes in Limerick and the region are to get a boost as JP McManus and his family host a sweepstake worth up to €40,000.

This Wednesday morning, it was announced JP, his wife Noreen and family are to team up with the Munster National - which is newly sponsored by betting firm Boyle Sports - to host the unique contest.

Under the initiative, local charities will have the opportunity to enter the JP McManus Charity Sweepstake through www.limerickraces.ie, or via email at info@limerickraces.ie

Each of the lucky charities drawn will be matched to a horse in the BoyleSports Munster National.

The charity matched to the winning horse will benefit from a €20,000 donation, with second and third place receiving €3,000 and €2,000 respectively.

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Each of the remaining charities will also receive a €1,000 donation to put towards a specific project or initiative.

JP said: "I am delighted that we have this opportunity through the sweepstake to support the very many charity and community organisations who do so much in our community here in the Mid-West. I am very grateful to BoyleSports and Limerick Racecourse who have agreed to the sweepstake taking place in conjunction with the BoyleSports JT McNamara Munster National. I am looking forward to what promises to be a very exciting and enjoyable meeting."

Sharon McHugh, head of public relations and sponsorship at BoyleSports said: "We are thrilled that JP and Noreen McManus have committed to hosting such a wonderful initiative for local charities and continue their significant support of Irish racing. This sweepstake will see a number of charities in the Mid-West benefit and will also raise the profile of the BoyleSports Munster National."

Michael Lynch, the chief executive of of Limerick Racecourse, revealed they will be working with Limerick senior hurling manager John Kiely on the initiative.

This year, the Munster National Festival will get underway on Saturday, October 19 while the highlight of the two-day event, the BoyleSports JT McNamara Munster National, will follow on Sunday, October 20.