Dr. Michael Guinee, Founder, 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.
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.
Dr Michael Guinee
Dr 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. Michael received an honorary Doctorate of Engineering from the University of Limerick in 2025 and was an honoured alunmi at the 2024 UCC Alumni Achievement Awards.
Michael 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, Michael 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 Group Company Secretary at Ei Electronics – one of Ireland’s largest indigenous electronics companies. Con is a Chartered Accountant with a long career in corporate finance and corporate advisory with BDO, Crowe and KPMG. Is Gaeilgeoir é a tógadh in oirthear Chontae na Gaillimh. As chair and advisor, he has devised and implemented board and leadership structures that have delivered exceptional outcomes for businesses in Ireland and abroad.
Con is a strong advocate for programmes aimed at urban poverty, homelessness and social exclusion with a particular commitment to Limerick City. He has chaired a number of not-for-profit organisations and is the Honorary Secretary of Eva International – Ireland’s Biennial Of Contemporary Art.
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.
Cora Lynch
Cora Lynch is a Project Executive at The Michael Guinee Charitable Foundation. With over ten years’ experience in grants management, governance, and business development across both the private and not-for-profit sector, she has a strong track record in designing and delivering high-impact grant programmes, strengthening organisational systems, and cultivating collaborative partnerships.
A Donegal native, Cora is passionate about social impact and is delighted to join The Michael Guinee Charitable Foundation, where she can help support communities and drive positive change.
Who We Have Supported
In 2025 we have developed relationships with and are supporting the following organisations
