THE first phase of an annual challenge for second year students attending Killarney’s three secondary schools, in memory of a great friend to the town, has been held.
The initiative is to celebrate the life, energy and vision of the late Billy Vincent whose family donated Killarney National Park to the people.
It challenge involves tasks in literacy, numeracy, philanthropy, an outdoor challenge or a co-operative sporting challenge and the latter has already been held.
Supported by the Trustees of Muckross House, the events guide students of Killarney Community College, St Brigid’s Presentation and St Brendan’s College towards a number of positive, affirming educational, sporting, philanthropic and community activities. The intention is to promote greater personal, social and community awareness in the young people.
In 1933 Billy Vincent’s father, Arthur Rose Vincent, and his grandfather William Bowers Bourn, presented Muckross House and 11,000 acres of parkland to the people of Ireland. Billy inherited the benevolent and philanthropic heritage of his parents and grandparents.
He became a director of the American Irish Foundation in 1972 and he was founder of the Ireland Fund of Monaco and served as its President until 2005. He also played a central role in the establishment of the Ireland Fund of France and Germany.
In later years, Billy divided his time between Killarney and Monaco and he was a frequent visitor to Muckross. He died in October 2012 and he was interred in Killegy graveyard in Muckross in Killarney.
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