News
Book signing at Bricín Craft shop celebrating Irish-American Philanthropist John McShain
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.
The fifth annual Pedal for Grace community fundraiser will take place in Firies on Saturday, September 5, with organisers aiming to push total funds raised past the €90,000 milestone.
Held in honour of local girl Grace O’Sullivan, who lives with Stargardt disease, the event brings together cyclists, walkers, and supporters from across the local community to raise vital funds for Vision Ireland. Over the past four years, the initiative has raised almost €90,000 for the national sight loss charity.
This year’s event offers options for all fitness levels, including a 60km route, shorter spins, and a walking course, with tandem options also available. Following the physical challenges, the day will feature a community barbecue, family fun activities, a raffle, and an evening of music and entertainment.
Grace was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a genetic eye condition that affects central vision and causes progressive sight loss. The annual event was established by her family to raise awareness and support Vision Ireland’s work, which provides practical and emotional support, rehabilitation services, and assistive technology to help people living with visual impairments maintain independence.
Members of the public are invited to register in advance or support the event in Firies on the day. Full details and registration information are available on the Vision Ireland website.
Top golf scores at Mahony’s Point
Ivan Tagney and Aoife Twomey secured top honours at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club as members turned out in large numbers to compete for Captain Tomás Kelliher’s Prize on Mahony’s Point.
In the men’s event, Ivan Tagney claimed the Captain’s Prize with an impressive 42 points. Conor Dillon carded 48 points, returning the lowest score of the weekend, though he was ineligible for the main trophy without an established handicap.
Despite wet weather, the ladies section produced remarkable scoring on Sunday. Aoife Twomey took first place playing off 28 handicap, recording a nett 63. June O’Brien finished runner-up with a 67 nett, followed by Kay O’Connor in third with a 69 nett.
Captain Tomás Kelliher extended his thanks to the committee, staff, and volunteers for organising the flagship competition, praising the course condition and strong turnout across both events.
Results
Men’s Captain’s Prize 1st: Ivan Tagney (42 pts) Best Score: Conor Dillon (48 pts) 3rd: Joseph Sheahan (41 pts) 4th: Michael Cotter (41 pts) 5th: Emmet Scanlon (41 pts) 6th: Ian Sherlock (41 pts) 7th: Cathal O’Connor (40 pts) 8th: Aaron McCann (40 pts) 9th: Dan Quirke (40 pts) 10th: Mark Tuite (40 pts) 11th: Alan O’Meara (40 pts) 12th: Donal Begley (40 pts) Best Gross: Donal Considine (72) Category 1: 1st Kevin Leacy (39 pts), 2nd Ian Cronin (39 pts) Category 2: 1st Adam Carey (40 pts), 2nd Jack Crehan (40 pts) Category 3: 1st John McEnery (40 pts), 2nd Thomas Coleman (39 pts) Category 4: 1st Mike Dreelan (38 pts), 2nd Jason Reen (38 pts) Front Nine: Aaron Coffey (24 pts) Back Nine: Chris Myers (24 pts) Past Captain: Pat Cussen (38 pts) Over 70: Joe Geaney (39 pts) Committee Prize: Shane Horgan (38 pts) Guest Prize: Jack Kelliher
Ladies Captain’s Prize 1st: Aoife Twomey – 63 (28) 2nd: June O’Brien – 67 (20) 3rd: Kay O’Connor – 69 (13) 4th: Louise Langan – 70 (19) 5th: Mary Tobin – 71 (20) 6th: Geraldine Tarrant – 71 (26) 7th: Kathleen O’Keefe – 71 (19) 8th: Noreen O’Callaghan – 72 (18) 9th: Anne Moynihan – 72 (2) 10th: Breda Duggan – 72 (29) Best Gross: Kelly O’Donoghue (76) Front Nine: Kate O’Leary Back Nine: Sarah O’Brien 13-Hole Competition: Maud Malone – 24 pts (28)
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