Irish-born MMA champion Conor McGregor has donated $1 million to a New York foundation that supports the families of first responders to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.
McGregor announced he is making the donation to New York’s Stephen Siller Tunnel to Tower Foundation, which supports the families of firefighters and law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty across the US. The non-profit honors firefighter Stephen Siller who gave his life to save others on 9/11.
“I have always had deep respect for first responders who are not only selfless but also fearless in performing their duties,“ McGregor told The Post’s John Aidan Byrne. “They are willing to risk it all for perfect strangers.”
The fighter made the donation after pledging he’d give $5 for every case of his Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey. He has also recorded public service announcements to encourage others to donate to the foundation.
He continued, “We are so proud to partner with the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation to honor these proper heroes. The foundation’s goal is to ensure stability and security for these families facing sudden tragic loss.”
McGregor added that he will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, at home in Ireland. While Dublin’s parade has been canceled, New York’s mayor Bill de Blasio said Monday there were no plans yet to cancel Manhattan’s parade, which annually attracts more than two million people.
And — amid much speculation when and where his next fight would be — McGregor added he is looking forward to spending more time in the US, “Most likely after my next fight. I know you will ask when that will happen, and my answer is, ‘keep guessing.’”