THE man who built Washington – and donated priceless assets to Killarney – has been honoured in a special way.
The late John McShain was posthumously inducted into the Irish American Hall of Fame at a reception in County Wexford which was attended by the Mayor of Kerry, Cllr Niall Kelleher.
The honour was bestowed by the John F Kennedy Trust, along with Irish America Magazine, and the ceremony last Wednesday evening took place at the Dunbrody Experience in New Ross.
The tremendous philanthropic work of John McShain, along with his lifetime achievements as a master builder, in both the US and in Ireland, was acknowledged and guest of honour at the reception was Betsy Bracken whose mother was John McShain’s sister.
Also in attendance was Alice McLaughlin who was the recipient of a generous bursary from Mr McShain many years ago.
The Irish America Hall of Fame commemorates the contribution of Irish men and women to US history, as well as acknowledging the continuing contribution of contemporary Irish-Americans.
Mr McShain joins many other notable historical figures in the honours list, including JFK, Henry Ford, Maureen O’Hara, Michael Flatley, playwright Eugene O’Neill and former Coca-Cola chief Donald Keough.
John McShain and his wife, Mary, acquired Killarney Estate, which had been owned by the Earls of Kenmare for generations, in 1959. In the years that followed, the bulk of the priceless property passed into the hands of the State and, following the death of Mrs McShain in 1998, at the age of 91, Killarney House also came into the government’s ownership.
The McShains had already gifted Ross Castle and 8,000 acres of parkland, mountains and lake to the people.
Mr McShain, who died in September 1989, was the most successful and dynamic building contractor in the US and his building credits included the reconstruction of the White House (1949-52), the Jefferson Memorial (1939-41), and the John F Kennedy Centre for Performing Arts in Washington DC (1971). He also built the Pentagon in 1941 and the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in 1959.
A total of €7 million was invested in the restoration of Killarney House and its formal gardens reflecting in part the style of 18th century French chateaux and 20th century Edwardian properties.
© KillarneyToday.com is the 24/7 online news service provided by O’Mahony Media
Advertise to grow your business: Over 310,000 views every month. Over 21,000 followers on Facebook. Call 087-2229761
