Town Park vision! One man's name that was repeatedly mentioned was that of John Magnier!
In this week's Nationalist
Throughout all the praise, tributes and commendations for all those involved at the official opening of Fethard Town Park on Sunday, one man’s name that was repeatedly mentioned was that of John Magnier.
Through his Coolmore operation, one of the top stud farms in the world and just a few miles up the road from the new sporting and recreational facility, he has been a generous benefactor in Fethard for many years.
His latest contribution, valued at over €3m, will not just be his most crucial but also a lasting legacy of the Magnier family support for Fethard.
Mr Magnier explained where the idea for Fethard Town Park first came from.
“It was when I first came here. I was driving down the road and I saw two groups of youngsters. One had hurleys and they were heading for the GAA field. The others were smoking and had bottles and were heading for the river.
“There was no doubt in my mind which of these groups would have fared better so that was the motivating factor for me,” he told the packed attendance in an interview with MC Jane Mangan.
A modest Mr Magnier deflected the praise for the venture away from himself and towards others involved. He said that without the input of former rugby international, Keith Wood, and that of Coolmore’s Maurice Moloney, it would never have happened.
He also namechecked project supervisor, Caroline Madden, and Michael Lowry TD, for their work with the various agencies and securing funding for the park.
He also added that Tipperary was fortunate to have a particularly progressive county council, and officials such as CEO Joe MacGrath and Director of Services Brian Beck were people who got things done.
“With people like this, things happen,” he added.
Minister Heather Humphreys paid tribute to John and Sue Magnier and the Magnier Foundation.
“Without their investment of €3m, I think it’s fair to say that none of us would be here today. For John and Sue, Fethard Town Park is a legacy project”.