Shane Lowry believes JP McManus’ recent €32 million gift to GAA county boards was an “amazing” gesture from one of Irish sport’s biggest supporters.

The Limerick billionaire received a mixed reaction to his gesture with some calling for him to pay income tax in Ireland and contribute to the economy that way.

But Lowry believes McManus, whose 2022 Pro-Am at Adare Manor raised an incredible €141.74 million for charities in the Mid-West, deserves nothing but praise for his gift.

“It's amazing,” Lowry said this week. “I'm a huge fan of JP. He's been great to us golfers over the years and he's been great to the GAA and sport in general. Horse racing is big because of JP.  

“I know people criticised him a bit last week — I listened to some stuff on the radio or whatever — but he puts a lot of money into Ireland, and he keeps a lot of things afloat.  

“And him doing that with the GAA counties was something that he doesn't need to do. So it's very generous of him.  

“He's one of the most generous people you meet. Anyone in the golfing circles I know will tell you that as well and I think it's amazing what he's done.”

McManus’ support for Limerick GAA has resulted in the county’s golden run of four All-Ireland hurling titles in a row.

His JP McManus Pro-Am attracted a stellar field last year, led by 15-time Major winner Tiger Woods, who said:

"It's all about about charity, having fun, and doing something for the local communities.

"What JP has done over the years has been truly remarkable. We're here to support him.”