The Irish-American billionaire almost certainly gave more money than any other single individual has ever done to this country
In an era when the gap between the super-rich and everyone else has expanded to become a chasm, the philanthropy of billionaires, for all the good outcomes it may produce, can leave an unpleasant aftertaste of hubris and self-promotion. That was certainly not the case with Chuck Feeney,The breadth of his contribution to healthcare and education, in the US, Vietnam, South Africa and Australia as well as in Ireland, was breathtaking.
Feeney’s desire to keep his philanthropy secret was in part strategic, as it allowed him to extract the maximum possible matching funds from other donors and governments. But it also reflected his aversion to ostentation. As his biographer Conor O’Clery notes, he lived in rented apartments, travelled economy class, carried his papers in a plastic bag and wore a $10 watch.
Ireland was not the only beneficiary of Chuck Feeney’s generosity, but it is a measure of the scale of his work here that he almost certainly gave more money than any other single individual has ever done to this country. It is estimated he was responsible for more than a billion euro in donations to Irish universities north and south of the Border, , along with a range of other social, community and civic society projects.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Hayu Hotlist: Síomha Ní Ruairc, & What's New For October | StellarSTELLAR Magazine, Irish Fashion, Irish Women's Magazine, Irish Beauty, shops in Ireland, celebrity news, glossy magazine, Fade Street, make-up tips, Irish style, Vip Magazine Group
Read more »
BMW i-Vision Circular concept: the future of sustainable motoring?Neil Briscoe, a contributor to The Irish Times, specialises in motoring
Read more »
Budget fallout, Powerscourt Group nears sale and is there any smart money?Business Today: the best news, analysis and comment from The Irish Times business desk
Read more »
Our Test Drive: Toyota Prius PHEVNeil Briscoe, a contributor to The Irish Times, specialises in motoring
Read more »
Business TodayBryan O’Brien is Chief Video Journalist at The Irish Times
Read more »
The Irish Times view on Labour’s future: an existential threatOpinion polls continue to show the party becalmed at three or four per cent support
Read more »