scouserdave
10-12-2006, 03:07 PM
Belfast Telegraph (http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/business/story.jsp?story=709739)
Ulster tycoon tipped for Reds
investment
By Chris Thornton
12 October 2006
Football giants Liverpool today refused to confirm or deny reports that a Co Down
property tycoon is planning to invest in the club.
Downpatrick man John Miskelly is reportedly considering taking a share in the five-time European
champions as they muster finances to build a new stadium.
With a reported worth of at least £68m, Mr Miskelly is among the wealthiest people in
Ireland, but he has successfully maintained a much lower profile than many people with smaller fortunes.
The Liverpool fan, who has a box at Anfield,
has interests in nursing homes and other businesses.
He is also said to have property interests in Britain, but the Drumaness native has kept his ties
to home.
Last year he and his wife Helen were credited with saving more than 100 jobs in Downpatrick when they bought the town's Safeway supermarket.
The site, which had been valued at £15m by former owner Morrisons, has now been leased to Asda.
This year Mr Miskelly bought the Abbey Lodge Hotel
outside Downpatrick and a considerable section of the Dunleath estate outside the town.
"He's very discreet, but he's also very down-to-earth," said
a friend.
"He's someone who very much takes the long view on investment."
Mr Miskelly could not be reached for comment about the Liverpool
reports and the football club refused to comment.
A Liverpool spokeswoman said: "We have never commented on potential investors and we will not
comment on this one."
But the club has been looking for investment as it moves forward with plans to build a new 60,000-seat stadium for £180m.
Ulster tycoon tipped for Reds
investment
By Chris Thornton
12 October 2006
Football giants Liverpool today refused to confirm or deny reports that a Co Down
property tycoon is planning to invest in the club.
Downpatrick man John Miskelly is reportedly considering taking a share in the five-time European
champions as they muster finances to build a new stadium.
With a reported worth of at least £68m, Mr Miskelly is among the wealthiest people in
Ireland, but he has successfully maintained a much lower profile than many people with smaller fortunes.
The Liverpool fan, who has a box at Anfield,
has interests in nursing homes and other businesses.
He is also said to have property interests in Britain, but the Drumaness native has kept his ties
to home.
Last year he and his wife Helen were credited with saving more than 100 jobs in Downpatrick when they bought the town's Safeway supermarket.
The site, which had been valued at £15m by former owner Morrisons, has now been leased to Asda.
This year Mr Miskelly bought the Abbey Lodge Hotel
outside Downpatrick and a considerable section of the Dunleath estate outside the town.
"He's very discreet, but he's also very down-to-earth," said
a friend.
"He's someone who very much takes the long view on investment."
Mr Miskelly could not be reached for comment about the Liverpool
reports and the football club refused to comment.
A Liverpool spokeswoman said: "We have never commented on potential investors and we will not
comment on this one."
But the club has been looking for investment as it moves forward with plans to build a new 60,000-seat stadium for £180m.