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‘More Precious Than Gold’ book launch

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At the official book launch of ‘More Precious Than Gold: My enduring connection with John McShain - the man who built Washington’ by Alice O'Neill-McLoughlin at Killarney House, was Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, T.D.

Alice was born the eldest of eleven children into an Irish farming family in Rosbercon, New Ross, County Wexford. In 1978, she was awarded a scholarship from John McShain- the iconic builder, philanthropist, devout Catholic with Derry ancestry, responsible for many famous American landmarks, including the Jefferson Memorial and the Pentagon.

Her book records the lifelong personal correspondence Alice exchanged with 'The Man Who Built Washington.' His philanthropy extended to the Irish people in the bequeathing to the State of Killarney House and the surrounding thousands of acres incorporating the Lakes, Ross Castle, and Innisfallen Island. In 2019, Alice had the honour of inducting John McShain into the Irish America Hall of Fame in her home town of New Ross in the presence of his relatives from Philadelphia and Derry. This is a tale of altruism, of gratitude, of faith and of a life lived in the pursuit of excellence.

Alice also donated her treasured correspondence of letters from John McShain for the archive at Killarney House. Also in attendance were Members of the Ignatius A. O'Shaughnessy family, who was founder of The Globe Oil and Refining Company - and part of a consortium of wealthy American businessmen who were going to purchase the lakes of Killarney as a Country Club in the 1950's.

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Centenary exhibition to chart early years of Fianna Fáil in Kerry

. The exhibition, which runs from March 10 to March 31, explores the foundational years of the political party within the county between 1926 and 1933. The exhibition details how […]

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The exhibition, which runs from March 10 to March 31, explores the foundational years of the political party within the county between 1926 and 1933.

The exhibition details how the party established itself in a county where Civil War divisions were particularly deep-seated. It covers the transition of local figures from revolutionary activities to parliamentary politics and the intense election battles of the late 1920s. Visitors will be able to view documents and archives that illustrate how the party built its organisation across South Kerry in its first decade.

As part of the event, local historian and author Dr. Owen O’Shea will give a public lecture at the library on Thursday, March 26, at 7:00 p.m. His talk will focus on the foundation of the party and the “bullets to ballots” transition in Kerry politics. The exhibition is free to attend and will be open during the library’s scheduled operating hours throughout the month of March.
The project is the result of extensive research funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. The grant was awarded under the Commemorations Bursary Scheme for 2025-2026 and managed by the Royal Irish Academy. This scheme supports local research that helps the public better understand the political and social evolution of Ireland following the Civil War.

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St Brendan’s College travel to London

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5th year students from St Brendan’s College went to London on their English school trip.

They enjoyed a production of ‘The Book of Mormon’ at the Prince of Wales theatre.

The following morning was spent touring Tate Modern before attending a tour and a brilliant interactive workshop in Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre focusing on their Leaving Certificate single text “Othello”.

The focus of the workshop centred on the performative elements of the play in relation to themes and character development. 

All students performed with great theatrical verve. 

A brilliant experience for all before attending an acclaimed production of the play in the Theatre Royal.

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