Donegal Person of the Year Hugh Green passes away in Auckland

Tributes are being payed today to Donegal native Hugh Green has passed away at his home in Auckland, New Zealand over night.
Mr Green was named 2011 Donegal Person of Year recognising his contribution and generosity to Donegal.
Hugh Green  was born in Raphoe and at the age of 20 emigrated to New Zealand via Australia. With his friend Barney Mc Cahill he set up the very successful Green and Mc Cahill Contractors.
They went their separate ways in the 1980’s but Hugh Green continued to expand his business interests.  Although he received very little formal education he possessed a very keen intellect and business acumen. This helped him to become one of the largest building contractors in New Zealand.
His other businesses include land and property development, farming and trading in livestock, oil and gas exploration and shrewd investments in the stockmarket.
Hugh Green has given away millions of dollars to charity, including €200,000 to Letterkenny Hospital and to other projects in Donegal.
In 2006 The National University of Ireland (NUIG) honoured his Lifetime Achievements with a Doctorate of Law.