Jonathan Irwin
Founder & CEO, Jack & Jill Foundation

From an Anglo Irish background of actors and academics - his grandfather was headmaster of Wesley College - Jonathan Irwin had a BIG career in the bloodstock industry before 1997.  

The 67 year old Eton educated Irishman, who dropped out of Trinity College, has learnt many skills in his numerous roles - as bloodstock agent, auctioneer, announcer, stud owner, publisher and racetrack executive - at the British Bloodstock Agency Ireland, Goffs, the Phoenix Park Racecourse, Dublin International Sports Council and the Special Olympics.  However, none was more challenging or rewarding than his current job.  Not even the Cartier Million, Europe's richest race and the first £1 million sports event in Europe, in the Phoenix Park.

In 1997 Jonathan and his wife MaryAnn O'Brien - MD of Lily O'Brien's - set up the Jack & Jill Foundation, based on their own personal experience with their son Jack who died that year aged 22 months.  Sadly grief is no stranger to Jonathan.  Before losing Jack, Jonathan and MaryAnn had had a still born baby boy and after Jack in the summer of 1998 Jonathan lost his 18 year old son Sam - from his previous marriage - in a tragic accident in Portugal. 

The Jack & Jill Foundation has helped over 1,200 children since 1997. The service includes financing of practical home nursing care, home visits by one of its liaison nurses, practical advice on caring for the child, listening to the family and making representations on their behalf.

No wonder he was the winner of the Rehab People of the Year award in 2004.

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