The memory of the late great entrepreneur and philanthropist John McShain and his family was remembered in a very special way in Killarney yesterday as the town celebrated its great links with the tycoon who became known as the man who built America.
A celebration was held in the courtyard of Killarney House and Gardens – which the McShain family gifted to the State – with the best of local talented entertaining guests.
Pictures: Valerie O’Sullivan
The event included a dramatisation of Mr McShain’s life and the life and times of the Bourn Vincent family with music, song and dance.
The script and plot for the production was created by Noel Patrick O’Sullivan and Fiona Crowley.
The celebration was organised by Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce in association with the National Parks and Wildlife Service in association with Killarney’s 4th of July festival.
The gathering heard that Killarney has been fortunate and very grateful for the philanthropic generosity of the McShain family of Killarney House and Gardens and Bourn Vincent family of Muckross House,
That generosity enabled the town and its hinterland to flourish as one of the best playgrounds in the world while recognising its importance as a UNESCO reserve.
Killarney National Park is the bedrock on which tourism was founded, visited by millions when the McShain and Bourne Vincent families donated the lands to the State and people of Ireland.
The celebration also marked the 10th year of the 4th of July festival.
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