In this episode, Vincent Wall speaks with Maeve Cavanagh, CEO of the Tomar Trust, about the remarkable philanthropic journey started by her late father, Tom Cavanagh. Maeve shares how the Trust was built on a simple vision of “levelling the playing field” in education, rural communities, integration, and the arts — and why Tomar’s funding was always intended to be the “icing on the cake,” complementing rather than replacing other supports.
As the Trust approaches its planned sunset in 2026/27, Maeve reflects on its impact, from transformative school initiatives to creative arts projects that changed young lives. She also offers candid insights on family dynamics, the challenges of governance, and the evolving culture of philanthropy in Ireland. Above all, Maeve emphasises that real legacy is found not in buildings, but in people — and in the opportunities philanthropy makes possible.
THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT
- The origins of the Tomar Trust and Tom Cavanagh’s vision of “levelling the playing field”
- Why the Trust always aimed to be the “icing on the cake,” not a replacement for other funding
- How family dynamics shaped Maeve’s path to chairing the Trust
- The four pillars of Tomar’s giving: education, rural communities, integration, and the arts
- What it means for a trust to enter “sunset mode” and plan its wind-down
- Memorable stories of impact, from school workshops to creative arts initiatives
- The challenges of governance, compliance, and balancing risk in philanthropy
- Why Maeve believes true legacy is about people, not buildings
GUEST DETAILS
The Tomar Trust is a philanthropic trust that aims to contribute to strengthening Irish society over 10 years 2016-2026. Established in 1994 the Tomar Trust has been supporting community and voluntary activity in rural Ireland, particularly North Cork, West Waterford, Clare and Donegal and disadvantaged communities in Cork City. The Trust aims to deepen its commitment to rural Ireland, to the building of strong communities and resilient young people, and aims to address some of the big issues facing Ireland today and investing in the solutions to solve them.
MORE INFORMATION
Looking to learn more about the power of strategic giving and effecting real change? Visit https://www.philanthropy.ie/ to learn more.
The Philanthropy Ireland Podcast is produced by
DustPod.io.
QUOTES
- We’ve always said there’s no room in philanthropy for any bit of ego. Everybody has to play their part. – Maeve Cavanagh
- Tomar was never about replacing funding — we were always the icing on the cake. – Maeve Cavanagh
- It’s often the projects where we’ve given the least amount of money that have had the most benefit. – Maeve Cavanagh
- Real legacy isn’t in buildings — it’s in people, and in the opportunities they’re given. – Maeve Cavanagh
- Never underestimate the impact you will have. Philanthropy enables transformation, and it does achieve that. – Maeve Cavanagh
What is Philanthropy Ireland Podcast?
Every successful entrepreneur and business owner reaches a crossroads where wealth becomes more than personal achievement. It becomes opportunity. The Philanthropy Ireland Podcast explores the profound question that keeps many of these awake at night: How can success create lasting change beyond my lifetime?
Join us for intimate conversations with business leaders who've discovered that giving isn't just about writing cheques, it's about writing the next chapter of their life's story. Through candid interviews, you'll hear how philanthropy has transformed Irish communities and enriched the lives of the givers themselves in ways they never anticipated.
Your success has brought you here. Your legacy starts with what you do next.