California-based businesswoman Nicole Shanahan has handed a €500,000 cash boost to a Donegal GAA club.
Shanahan has Irish ancestry and is the partner of Google co-founder Sergey Brin. She is the CEO of ClearAccessIP, a legal tech company, and is also a prominent social philanthropist
Gibson & Associates Solicitors managing partner Daireann Gibson - who is chairperson of the Termon Minor Board - played a big role in securing the funding.
Ms Shanahan appointed the law firm to assist with setting up an investor scheme in Ireland, which will help her to apply for an investor visa to set up a business or reside here.
Speaking to Highland Radio, he explained: "It's fantastic news, great for the club, great for the community and indeed great for the GAA as well.
"It's testament to the good work the GAA has been doing over the course of the last hundred years, but in particular its response during the recent global pandemic has been immense.
"GAA clubs throughout Donegal, and indeed the country, have really stood up, and it's exactly that type of activity that draws in that type of investment. If you're doing the right thing, investment tends to find its way to you.
"Nicole has been a client of our firm, Gibson & Associates Solicitors. We have a practice in Dublin and we also have a practice in Letterkenny and one of our teams specialises in immigration and inward investment.
"It was through a referral from another client that Nicole was introduced to us, obviously looking to create some tangible links with Ireland, she has Irish ancestry, as well as looking to establish other commercial interests in the state."
Gibson went on to explain that the investment was a 'social contribution' from Ms Shanahan.
The sum invested will help the club pay for ambitious plans, including the building of a new clubhouse.
