John Fitzpatrick, President and CEO of The Fitzpatrick Hotel Group, has taken part in the RTE (Ireland’s national broadcaster) new “Secret Millionaire” series. The show features three very different, notable Irish businessmen who go undercover in some of the most disadvantaged parts of Dublin, Cork and Dundalk, in Louth.

During their search for ways to support local Irish charities, they experience some of the most pressing social problems facing the residents of these communities. They also meet extraordinary Irish people working selflessly everyday to help any way they can. Each undercover businessman then reveals the ultimate surprise when he donates thousands of Euros in support and reveals himself as a “Secret Millionaire”.

During the season’s second episode (airing September 26th) Fitzpatrick swaps his New York life for the streets of Dundalk. Undercover as a returned immigrant making a documentary about the recession, the show follows him as he visits some of Ireland's most disadvantaged areas to find charities in need.

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Fitzpatrick said “My parents believed in the importance of supporting your local community and I am working to honor and carry on their legacy. There are so many struggling families in Ireland right now and there are people in every neighborhood who quietly do great work each day. Hopefully this series will help shed light on areas most in need and motivate people to get involved in their own community.” 

The episode tracks him as he spends eight days in the community. Motivated by his dedication to the charitable fund he began nearly 20 years ago in honor of his late parents, he focuses on charities that support needy children. He finds a number of excellent projects run by local heroes dedicated to keeping kids off the streets including a boxing club run entirely by volunteers and a youth centre run out of a corporation house.

Fitzpatrick’s was recently awarded an honorary doctoral degree from Queen’s University in Belfast for his philanthropic work.