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Sr Pauline left a lovely lasting legacy in Killarney

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By Sean Moriarty

The last surviving member of the McShain family, who gifted Killarney House and Innisfallen Island to the Irish State, has died.

Sr Pauline McShain, aged 91, the only child of John and Mary McShain, died last week in Philadelphia, bringing to an end the direct link between the McShain family and the American city.

 

This week, Kerry County Council opened a Book of Condolences in the reception area of the Killarney Municipal District Offices as a mark of respect.

 

John McShain was one of America’s prolific builders, active in one of the few growth areas during the Great Depression of the 1930s - government contracts.

Having earned the respect of President Roosevelt, Mr McShain won contracts to build the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the Department of Agriculture, the Bureau of Printing and Engraving, the Jefferson Memorial, the Longfellow Building, the Naval Hospital and, in 1941 the Pentagon. Under President Truman he was awarded the contract for the reconstruction of the White House 1949-1952.

Soon after John McShain purchased this estate in 1959, he arranged with the Irish government that, following his own death and that of his wife, Killarney House would become the property of the Irish State. Accepting this gift, the Irish officials agreed to preserve Killarney House and Gardens and was incorporated into the Killarney National Park. John McShain died in 1989; the death of his wife Mary occurred in 1998.

It is the end of an era for the McShain family both in the USA and in Killarney,” Margaret O’Regan of the National Parks and Wildlife Services said. “The Irish people, and especially the people of the town of Killarney, are indebted to John, Mary and Sr Pauline McShain for the wonderful ‘gift’ of Killarney House and Gardens, Ross Castle, Innisfallen Island the Middle and Lower Lakes of Killarney. [It is] their legacy for generations to come to enjoy.”

Sr Pauline kept regular updates on the restoration of Killarney House and Gardens, a place where she and her parents always referred to as their ‘Irish Home’. Up to the time of her passing she still kept in touch with Killarney and sent a lovely letter on the opening of the new Interpretative Exhibition last September.

 

 

 

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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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Caoimhe Murray set for lead role in Musical Society’s 40th anniversary show

Killarney Musical Society is preparing to stage ‘All Shook Up’ this February to mark its 40th anniversary. As the countdown to the production begins, the society is introducing its lead […]

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Killarney Musical Society is preparing to stage ‘All Shook Up’ this February to mark its 40th anniversary. As the countdown to the production begins, the society is introducing its lead cast members, including local performer Caoimhe Murray.

Caoimhe takes on the role of Lorraine, a fun-loving and spirited character who falls in love with the mayor’s son, Dean Hyde.
The production is a significant family milestone for Caoimhe, who has been a member of the society for nine years.
She is the daughter of Amanda Murray and the granddaughter of Phil Spillane, both of whom are also long-standing members and part of this year’s cast.
This production marks Caoimhe’s fifth show with the society. Her previous experience includes playing Brigitta Von Trapp in ‘The Sound of Music’ in 2018, as well as lead roles such as Dorothy in ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and Cosette in ‘Les Miserables’ with her stage school. She also recently played Sophie in her school production of ‘Mamma Mia’.
Caoimhe has built an extensive background in performing arts through years of training.
She has been a student of Fiona Crowley’s Stage School since the age of five and has attended the West End House School of Arts for acting.
Her musical training includes singing lessons with Sorcha O’Connor and piano with Catriona Cahillane, alongside completing the AIMS Youth Summer School Programme last year.
‘All Shook Up’ will run at the Gleneagle Arena on February 10, 11, and 12. The show features the music of Elvis Presley and tickets are currently available through the Gleneagle Box Office or via Ticketmaster.

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