Michelle O’Neill leads tributes after philanthropist Chuck Feeney dies aged 92

By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

Irish-American entrepreneur and philanthropist Chuck Feeney, who has died at the age of 92, will be remembered across Ireland for his generosity which “changed lives”.

Sinn Féin vice president Michelle O’Neill and Tánaiste Micheál Martin were among those who paid tribute after Mr Feeney’s death was announced.

Mr Feeney, who founded Atlantic Philanthropies, gave almost nine billion US dollars to various causes around the world, including several across the island of Ireland.

The businessman made his money selling luxury duty-free goods to travellers across the world.

It is believed that he donated up to 1.3 billion dollars on projects in the Republic while 570 million dollars went to causes in Northern Ireland.

He supported education, giving money to the University of Limerick and Queen’s University in Belfast.

He also financially supported integrated education in Northern Ireland.

Tributes have been paid to him on both sides of the Irish border.

Ms O’Neill said: “Chuck Feeney will be remembered fondly across Ireland as a man who made a generous and very important contribution to the development of the peace process.

“He will also be remembered for his financial philanthropy in the areas of health, education, research and community grassroots peace-building and rights activism.

So very sorry to hear of the passing of Chuck Feeney, whose philanthropy changed the lives of so many people here. His investment underpinned research which led to leading edge clusters, delivering many high value jobs. A genuine inspiration whose legacy is immense. pic.twitter.com/lUcZPcIA3Q

— Jayne Brady (@jaynecbrady) October 9, 2023

“Without the selfless intervention of Chuck Feeney many areas of vital work on the island of Ireland at community and institutional levels simply would not be in the advanced state they are today, and for which we are all eternally grateful.”

Jayne Brady, head of the Northern Ireland civil service, paid tribute to Mr Feeney on social media.

She said: “So very sorry to hear of the passing of Chuck Feeney, whose philanthropy changed the lives of so many people here.

“His investment underpinned research which led to leading-edge clusters, delivering many high-value jobs.

“A genuine inspiration whose legacy is immense.”

Mr Martin said Mr Feeney’s generosity was “inspirational”.

He said: “Chuck Feeney’s extraordinary generosity, selflessness and his philanthropic legacy have transformed the lives of people on the island of Ireland, north and south, young and old.

“He was a pioneer in the world of philanthropy.

“Chuck’s support for education and reconciliation projects on this island delivered real and measurable change, and their impact endures and will continue to do so.”

University of Limerick President Professor Kerstin Mey said: “He was the catalyst behind the establishment of the University of Limerick Foundation in 1989 and was a long-time foundation board member.

“Chuck Feeney’s giving while living philosophy is at its heart an exceptional story of giving.”