Michael Guinee, former CEO and current Chairman of Ei Electronics has been committed to Shannon for over 40 years and the footprint he has made as an employer, a leader and a philanthropist is quite remarkable and far reaching.

Michael wanted to ensure that this continues long into the future, so he has incorporated this Charitable Trust to deliver on his vision and commitment, supporting ideas and initiatives that improve the lives of people, locally, nationally and internationally.

The Foundation was established in 2024 and is managed by a Board of Trustees who fulfil the foundation’s objectives in accordance with strict policies, procedures and governance.

What we do

We aim to develop and cultivate genuine, trusting and long term relationships with the groups we support, to ensure that the projects are deliverable, sustainable, viable and impactful.  

Our funding recipients need to be well run, in terms of financial management and governance.  They must show a deep knowledge of their particular sector and must demonstrate evidence of the need for the proposed project, together with accurate costings and timelines.

Areas We Cover

The Foundation can make donations to Irish Registered Charities and not-for-profit organisations to enable them to fulfil their charitable objectives which are of benefit to the community.

Provision of or assistance in securing accommodation or housing or food sources, to those who are either temporarily or permanently unable to do so.

  • Pre-school education
  • Primary or secondary education
  • Third level education
  • Vocational or technical training
  • Academic Research
  • Supporting educational establishments or students

  • Promote and support better care for the elderly and infirm through Hospital and Nursing Home care
  • Mental Health support and wellness activities
  • Literacy Programs, Vocational Training & lifelong learning initiatives
  • Social Services & Support

  • Rural Regeneration
  • Urban Regeneration
  • Social Investment – Support and provision of Civic, Community & Creative spaces (Capital & Operational)

  • Promotion of Good Citizenship
  • Promotion of the Volunteering / Voluntary Sector
  • Organising community events

  • Medical treatment – Primary Health, Step-down care and Palliative care
  • Relief of sickness
  • Health education and sickness prevention
  • Rehabilitation
  • Convalescence
  • Medical research
  • Special Needs Activities
  • Addiction Services
  • Suicide Prevention
  • Complementary / Alternative therapy

  • Mediation & Negotiation
  • Cultural Considerations
  • Restorative Justice

  • Cultural Harmony
  • Equality & diversity
  • Racial Harmony
  • Religious Harmony

  • Conservation of the environment
  • Conservation of a particular geographical area
  • Conservation of a particular species
  • Pollution reduction
  • Promotion of renewable energy

  • Support and Resources
  • Education and Awareness
  • Legislation and Enforcement

  • Funding and Support
  • Education and Outreach
  • Preservation and Conservation
  • Promotion and Accessibility

  • Access to Education and Training
  • Economic Opportunities
  • Social Services and Support Networks
  • Advocacy and Policy Change

The above will be achieved by making donations and/or giving financial assistance to Irish registered charities and not-for-profit organisations to enable them to fulfil their charitable objectives, provided that their charitable objectives and activities are in line with the Foundation’s Objects and further the charitable purpose of the Foundation, and provided always that the income and capital of the Foundation shall be applied solely for charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 3 of the Charities Act 2009

Board of Trustees

There are currently three trustees on the board.  The intention is to expand this board in the coming months.

Michael Guinee

Michael Guinee is the Chairman, former CEO and Founder of Ei Electronics, Shannon, Ireland. A native of Mallow, Co. Cork he is an engineer by profession, having completed his B.Eng. in UCC and Masters’ Degree in Industrial Engineering (MIE) at UCD.

Mick started out his career with General Electric (USA) in ECCO in Dundalk before being appointed Managing Director of General Electric’s Irish owned Ei Company in 1983. Ei Electronics was established following his successful leadership of an MBO of the GE owned company in 1988.  A founder member of Shannon Chamber of Commerce, Mick lives in Limerick and continues to lead Ei Electronics, now one of Ireland’s leading indigenous multinationals.

Kevin Thompstone

Kevin Thompstone is an experienced economic development practitioner and consultant and in recent years has provided strategy and implementation advice to government and commercial clients on economic development projects in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

He served as CEO of Shannon Development, the regional economic development company for Ireland’s Shannon Region, from 2000 to 2008, where he worked for 23 years in key senior management roles.

He is a member of the Institute of Directors (MInstD) and a certified management consultant (CMC) and has many years of experience on a range of public, private and voluntary boards.    This includes Shannon Chamber of Commerce, the property sub-committee of the Port of Galway, the audit committee of Screen Ireland and the International Advisory Board of the Kemmy Business School (University of Limerick).

He is an Independent Non-Executive Director (INED) of Ei Electronics.

Con Quigley

Con Quigley is a corporate financier leading a small team managing a portfolio of ventures and business activities based in Limerick City, Ireland. Con is also an independent non-executive director at Ei Electronics – one of Ireland’s largest indigenous electronics companies.

He is also non-executive chairman of ExperiQ HTL Ltd and non-executive chair of business development and strategic committees for the Corporate Finance and Recovery team at BDO Ireland.

Derek Barrett

Derek Barrett is Chief Executive of the Michael Guinee Charitable Foundation. Derek is a Shannon native.  He owned and managed a very successful business, Peach Recruitment, for over 30 years. He is a former Director of the Shannon Chamber of Commerce and the Shannon Venue project.

Derek has been deeply involved in several community initiatives including Shannon Musical Society, The Shannon Festival and Shannon Gospel Choir. He is delighted to be part of this new Foundation and hopes to enable the delivery of projects that will have a significant impact locally, nationally and internationally.

Who We Have Supported

In 2025 we have developed relationships with and are supporting the following organisations