Connect with us

News

Killarney’s links with Washington celebrated at Killarney House summer school

Published

on

A

A CAPACITY audience gathered at Killarney House on Sunday morning to hear presentations from five speakers on aspects of the life and connections of the McShain family during their occupation of the house from the 1950s to the 1990s, as well as insights into the work of John McShain and others on The White House in Washington DC.

The event was organised by the James Hoban Societies of the US and Ireland, which researches and promotes the life and times of Kilkenny-born James Hoban, the original architect and builder of the presidential mansion, in conjunction with the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

Programme director Denis Bergin introduced the session by summarising the contribution of James Hoban and other Irish pioneers to the early development of Washington. Killarney local historian Conor Doolan reported on his research among the many former employees and friends of the McShain family, to give a snapshot of their lives as residents and benefactors of Killarney.

New York author Robert Klara, who has written a book on John McShain's massive reconstruction of the White House in the years 1948-52, reported on his extensive interviews with Sr. Pauline McShain, including her memories of driving with President Franklin Roosevelt in his specially adapted car during a family visit to his New York estate.

Historian Vincent Carmody told of the career of his Listowel-born relative Kathy Buckley, who served three US Presidents as a cook in the White House, and who brought back many mementoes of her time there when she retired to her native place in the 1950s.

Architect Brian O'Connell traced the origins of the American Constitution to documents produced at the Confederation of Kilkenny in 1642, and noted how democratic principles had shaped the spaces used by parliaments from Robert Shee's house in Kilkenny to the former Irish parliament house (now the Bank of Ireland) in College Green and the U.S. Capitol in DC.

Killarney House manager Pat Dawson expressed himself very satisfied with the session, which followed the official opening of the restored reception rooms at Killarney House on July 3, and hoped that the local connection to the McShains and America could be developed as the theme of an annual event.
 


 
Photographed at the Hoban-McShain Mini-Summer School session at Killarney House on Sunday morning are: Harry O'Donoghue, caretaker, Killarney House; Conor Doolan, local historian and speaker (Killarney); Vincent Carmody, local historian and speaker (Listowel); Denis Bergin, programme director; Robert Klara, author and speaker (New York); Brian O'Connell, architect and speaker; and Pat Dawson, manager, Killarney House.

Advertisement

News

Milltown plan to preserve history in community project 

Published

on

By

The Milltown History and Heritage Society has announced plans for an oral history archive for the community.

It is hoped that the collection and preservation of stories and folklore will be a valuable resource for future generations.

Oral history expert and historian Dr Tomás Mac Conmara will speak in Milltown in support of the launch.

Dr Mac Conmara, who is an award-winning oral historian, lecturer and author, will speak at the Muintir na Tíre Hall in Milltown at 8pm on Friday, October 24 and will introduce the fundamentals for the collection of oral history.

The presentation is free of charge and is supported by funding from the Creative Communities Grant Scheme 2025.

Attendees will be introduced to the practical skills required in interviewing, recording and documenting local heritage.

Stewart Stephans of the Milltown History and Heritage Society said they are excited to have Tomás to set them on the right path towards the development of the archive.

He said: “The collection and retention of oral history needs to be approached properly, drawing on the right advice and maintaining high standards, so we are pleased to be getting the input of such a renowned expert.” The event is open to anyone who would like to attend.

Continue Reading

News

Network Ireland Kerry discuss sustainable success

Published

on

By

Network Ireland Kerry held their third annual collaboration event last Wednesday at the Rose Hotel, Tralee. The theme was: “The Journey to Sustainable Success” which brought three industry experts together to talk about their own journey to sustainable successful.

Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and financial leaders came together for this highly anticipated event to learn about the journey from becoming a start-up, to a small-to-medium enterprise (SME), and a large SME.

The event was opened by AIB Branch Liaison for Network Ireland Kerry and AIB Castleisland Branch Manager, Colleen Shannon. It was MC’d by AIB Tralee Branch Manager, Stephen Stack.

Sarah Farrar of AINMHÌ, Garrett Dillon of Mr. Binman and Dillon Waste Ltd. and Susan Quirke-Crowley of Mounthawk Montessori School Group were among the speakers at the event.

These leaders spoke about their challenges, milestones, and breakthroughs they encountered, from launching an idea to scaling operations nationally.

Tara Elzingre of Tara Elzingre Consultancy, Zaneta Labuz-Czerwein of Rustic Boowa and Sharon Hartnett of U Coaching promoted their businesses for ‘Minute on the Mic’

Emily Reen, Network Ireland Kerry President, described the event as a testament to the power of partnership. She said: “The event underscored a powerful message: sustainable business success is not a solo journey. With the right partnerships, teams and financial tools, businesses of all sizes can grow with purpose, resilience, and long-term impact.”

Network Ireland Kerry will host their next monthly event on November 12 in Killarney and in collaboration with the Kerry Local Enterprise Office, titled: “Gain Competitive Advantage in Your Business”. This event will be MC’d by Karen Ronan, 2025 National Vice President of Network Ireland and CEO of Galway Chamber. This event is open to non-members and members, and everyone is welcome from 6 pm for networking and refreshments, with the event taking place from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm.

Continue Reading

Last News

Sport