President Michael D Higgins leads tributes to ‘selfless’ philanthropist Chuck Feeney

Chuck Feeney gave generously to causes including Irish third level education, reconciliation in Northern Ireland and LGBT rights.

Darragh Nolan

President Michael D Higgins is among those who have paid tribute to Chuck Feeney following the death of the Irish-American philanthropist aged 92.

Through his philanthropic vehicle, Atlantic Philanthropies, Mr Feeney gave more than €1.8bn to Irish causes. This included large grants given to third level institutions across the country.

“So much of what has been achieved in Irish third level education owes so much to his generous gifts to so many institutions,” President Higgins said.

“Through his selfless commitment to so many important causes, Chuck Feeney’s work was founded on the core principles of inclusivity, participation and fairness.

“He has left a deep and lasting effect on the lives of so many people in our country, providing opportunities for participation and improving conditions within our society.”

Charles “Chuck” Feeney receives an honorary Doctorate of Laws jointly by all the universities on the island of Ireland at Dublin Castle in 2010 surrounded by family including wife Helga (left). Picture By David Conachy

Mr Feeney also made significant financial contributions to Northern Ireland totalling more than €530m, including causes aimed at aiding reconciliation following the peace process.

President Higgins added: “It is important too that we recognise the contribution made by Chuck Feeney in the long journey towards peace and reconciliation on our island.

“The Irish people will remain deeply appreciative of his quiet and generous work in moving the process forward, while also providing funding for important reconciliation and regeneration projects.”

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar described Mr Feeney as “a very special person and light for others”.

“Through Atlantic Philanthropies, he contributed to peace and reconciliation in Ireland, championed equality and improved third-level education dramatically.”

Mr Varadkar also highlighted the work done by Mr Feeney to change attitudes towards LGBT people, which included financial contributions made to the campaign for marriage equality in Ireland.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin said he was “deeply saddened” to hear of Mr Feeney’s death.

“Through Atlantic Philanthropies, Chuck’s vision, generosity and selfless leadership transformed the lives of people on the island of Ireland, north and south, young and old, through investment in education and community,” Mr Martin said.

“It was a great honour to work with him, transforming Ireland’s third level research capacity.

“He was a pioneer in the world of philanthropy,” Mr Martin said.

Mr Feeney spent much of his life giving away an $8bn (€7.5bn) fortune he made in luxury retail as a co-founder of Duty Free Shoppers (DFS).

He was born to Irish-American parents in Elizabeth, New Jersey in 1931 during the Great Depression.