JP McManus re-lanuches the FF Tent
It may not be at the Galway races this time but it certainly has the same stink of politicians and business people getting too close again;
We are the champions, no time for losers, cause we are the champions ... of the world." The rousing rock anthem roared from a specially erected marquee last weekend where developers --in various degrees of financial health -- government ministers and RTE's current affairs and broadcast stars mingled as one. They put differences aside, and left talk of the recession at the main gates, which was a pastiche of the Arc de Triomphe, as bottles of Dom Perignon 2002 bubbled at the exclusive party hosted by JP McManus at his 400-acre Martinstown stud estate in Co Limerick.
As one guest remarked, "It flowed like it was going out of fashion." In a scene that might have been plucked from the pages of Tom Wolfe's best-selling Bonfire of the Vanities, guests were treated to a night last weekend that was a throwback to the days of Celtic Tiger excess. JP is that rarest of men -- a legend in his own lifetime and it appears he's managed to do it without making enemies. Of course he has also, without fanfare, dipped his hand deep in his pockets and discreetly dropped a potful of money in the form of charitable donations for other worthy causes including education and sport.
But this was an event where one of Ireland's richest men decided to splash out on friends and those acquaintances he has met along the way.
There were too many guests to be all 'VBFs'. In the drive, a dickie-bowed valet parked cars and guests were then checked in with a security pass. Once inside they were informed that photographs were strongly discouraged, but if taken should under no circumstances be uploaded on to any social website. You would 'never be invited to JP and Noreen's again', appeared to be implied in the request.
Not surprising, given the scene inside the party held in honour of two of McManus's most successful horses -- Gold Cup winner Synchronised, who died after falling at the Aintree Grand National and Don't Push It, who has been retired to stud.
As one guest explained: "It had a feel of Hollywood about it. The Irish version of the Academy Awards for achievers and non-achievers." Bust politicians and developers intermingled as songs from the West End production of Queen played on in the background. Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, TD Michael Lowry, former Finance Minister Ray MacSharry, former Education Minister Mary Hanafin, Environment Minister Phil Hogan and Finance Minister Michael Noonan mingled alongside bust builder Bernard McNamara and Nama top-tenner Sean Mulryan.
Also in attendance were members of the judiciary along with billionaire financier Dermot Desmond, former finance minister Charlie McCreevy, Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary, businessman Bill Cullen and partner Jackie Lavin, RTE presenters Pat Kenny and Gay Byrne, charity queen Norma Smurfit; rugby stars Keith Wood, Paul O'Connell, Peter Stringer; horse trainer Aidan O'Brien, and GAA legends Eoin 'The Bomber' Liston, Ogie Moran and Mick O'Dwyer. All the strands of Irish society from politics, law, sport, business and the media were in conclave. More than 1,500 guests feasted on fresh prawn cocktail, aged fillet of Irish beef with fondant potatoes, seasonable vegetables and red onion marmalade before moving on to the iced passion fruit and lemon parfait with a berry and vanilla compote.
Guests washed the banquet down with Dom Perignon 2002, Baron de L Ladoucette Pouilly Fume 2008 and Chateau Lynch Bages Pauillac 2000. The marquee itself was described by one of the guests in attendance as "the largest ever erected for a private party in Ireland". The enormous luxury tent, which was situated in front of the Gandon-inspired mansion, was split into two levels with some guests remarking that it was the first time they'd ever seen a sweeping staircase inside a marquee.
There was also a wrap-around balcony and a sunken area which was subsequently turned into a nightclub and two bars. On arrival, guests queued to meet Noreen McManus in the reception area and there were lots of effusive cheek-kissing. The guests couldn't believe their luck.
The best party in Ireland for five years and it was a freebie. Inside a DVD was shown celebrating the two racehorses that lasted for 20 minutes but there were no speeches. The conversations, meanwhile, were a world away from the cold harsh reality of the outside world. As one of the guests remarked: "There was no talk of recession, or the economy or anything like that -- it was all sport. "No matter who was there, you wouldn't be surprised. Guests came from all walks of life-- that's JP for you." Another guest also remarked on the decision by the wealthy horse owner and businessman to throw such a lavish party and invite such an eclectic mix of guests given the current climate. "I don't know why he threw such a big party, which was not only a throw back to the Celtic Tiger -- but to the very very height of it.
It was as lavish as anything I've ever seen. "I suppose JP throws the biggest party, with the biggest marquee for the very same reason as he has the biggest house in Ireland -- because he can. "And also, no one is going to complain or look down on it -- because he's not in property or politics or banking. He made his fortune in horse racing and international finance.
He isn't a thorn in anyone's side and no one can begrudge him for it." Michael Noonan shared a table with Ceann Comhairle Sean Barrett and Padraig Harrington. Meanwhile, onlookers noted that Phil Hogan cut a solitary figure.
Other attendees included John O'Donoghue, the former Ceann Comhairle and Sports Minister, and the former Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh -- both big fans of horse racing who made sure the important bloodstock industry was well looked after during their time in politics. Other guests included former EastEnders and musical star Martine McCutcheon, Celia Holman Lee, Willie O'Dea, Gerry Collins, Niall Collins, local political figures including Sean Kelly MEP. Soccer boss Martin O'Neill was also on the guest list, as was former Republic of Ireland international Niall Quinn, Babs Keating, Ginger McLoughlin, Ted and Ruby Walsh, John McCrirrick and national hunt racing legend AP McCoy.
The guests were also treated to a goodie bag which included a small pyramid of dark crystal which, according to a guide that was also supplied, can act as a shield against harmful rays such as radiation from televisions, computers and microwaves. But some guests couldn't help but be disappointed, as at the last occasion Cartier watches were presented.
