The Parish priest at a 19th century church in Kerry said the woman who donated €100,000 to it, did so because she was fulfilling a commitment.

The Hong Kong resident, who asked for anonymity, is understood to have become fond of the church after she went there while visiting a sick relative in Tralee.

She made several attempts to gain the bank account details of the Church of St John the Baptist on Castle Street to make a donation, but Parish Priest Fr Sean Hanafin said he refused the request.

Fr Hanafin said that the donor was very determined to make the donation, and paid a visit to deliver the cheque in person.

"She seemed to be extremely determined, what she told me was that she had made a commitment the day that she was in St John's and that she was drawn in prayer and reflection in the church," he said.