Author Alice McLoughlin will attend a book signing event at Bricín Craft Shop on Monday, August 19.

McLoughlin’s ‘More Precious than Gold’ book is a heartfelt tribute to Irish-American building contractor John McShain, whose philanthropic endeavours had a profound impact on both Ireland and the United States.

American millionaire John McShain owned the stately home from 1906 until he died in 1998.

On his passing, he left the house to the Irish State and the house and gardens are now one of the town’s top tourist attractions.
Known as the man who built America, McShain is renowned for constructing iconic landmarks such as the Pentagon and the Jefferson Memorial.

He also set up the McShain Foundation scholarship helping those less well-off on the road to education.

McLoughlin was a recipient of a McShain Foundation scholarship and developed a close relationship with the McShain family.

This enabled her to leave her native Tinneranny in County Wexford and travel to Pennsylvania where she graduated four years later with an honour’s degree in Psychology and English.

Through the altruism of her benefactor, she went on to post-graduate study at Villanova University and completed a Master’s in Counselling and Human Relations.

As an expression of her gratitude for this life-transforming opportunity, Alice began a long-term correspondence with her sponsor, a devout Catholic with Derry ancestry. John McShain’s faith was central to his life, and it was founded on his education in Jesuit institutions. Through his work, he sought to honour his God in all he constructed.

In 1946 when his only child, Pauline, entered the convent, he accepted that he would not leave an heir and so he devoted vast wealth to various Catholic charities. In addition to her correspondence with John McShain, Alice got to know his daughter, Sr. Pauline.

‘More Precious than Gold’, further traces the fortunes of the major legacy the McShains made to the Irish people in the form of Killarney House and the surrounding thousands of acres including two of the famous lakes of Killarney, Ross Castle, and Inisfallen Island. Following many decades of neglect Killarney House is now beautifully restored.

“One of my happiest and proudest moments was the privilege of delivering the address initiating John McShain into the Irish-American Hall of Fame at the Dunbrody Famine Ship in my native New Ross on September 4, 2019. Being able to say thanks for the myriad blessings bestowed on both sides of the Atlantic by John, surrounded by dignitaries from Kerry and by McShain’s family members from America and Derry was indeed- ‘More Precious than Gold’,” she said.

Her book delves into the life and legacy of this extraordinary man, highlighting his contributions to architecture, philanthropy, and Irish-American relations.

The book signing event offers readers a unique opportunity to meet the author and learn more about the fascinating story behind "More Precious than Gold."

The book selling and signing is scheduled for between 11 am and 1 pm on Monday at Bricín Craft Shop.