JP McManus Receives Richard Harris Patrons Award

Jared Harris, son of legendary actor Richard Harris was in London last night to present the Richard Harris Patrons’ Award, the highlight of Munster Rugby’s Patrons Dinner held in London.

The Richard Harris Patrons’ Award recognises an individual who through his or her life or work encapsulates Munster’s values of Passion, Integrity, Ambition, Excellence and Community.

Richard Harris was a Munster Rugby patron in its truest sense, and Munster Rugby are honoured to have the Patron’s Award named after him.

Everywhere he went he espoused his love of Munster Rugby and what it meant to him. Having represented the province both at Schools and U20s level, Harris understood and demonstrated the heritage, values and passion Munster Rugby instilled in all those who play with and support them. Such was his pride in the jersey, he treasured his Munster U20s jersey and famously wore it to the Heineken Cup Final in 2002.

This year’s winner, JP McManus, demonstrates those very values that the award recognises. The McManus family’s support of Limerick city, county and further afield, both on sporting fields and off, have given many the ability to continue to fulfil ambitions where once that opportunity may not have existed.

Through initiatives and events such as the All Ireland Scholarships programme, the JP McManus Benevolent Fund and the hugely successful JP McManus ProAm, millions of euro have been committed, ensuring the enhancement of quality of life in local communities.

A frequent attendee at Munster Rugby games in Thomond Park and further afield, Munster Rugby was honoured to recognise the fantastic work of JP and the McManus family in presenting the Richard Harris Patrons’ Award to him last night.

Sculptor Jarlath Daly created a unique piece which was presented to the Harris Family last year, with a replica being presented each year thereafter at the annual Munster Rugby Patrons’ Dinner in London.