A BRONZE bust in memory of Brendan O’Regan has been unveiled at The Old Ground Hotel.
O’Regan’s contribution to the development of the Ennis hotel and the catering sector in the Mid-West has been recognised with the unveiling of the bust by Kilbaha sculptor, Seamus Connolly.
Located in the foyer of The Old Ground Hotel, the bust has become a focal point and a topic of conversation among guests.
Manager of The Old Ground Hotel, Mary Gleeson noted the O’Regan family had a long association with the hotel which began when Brendan’s father James purchased The Old Ground Hotel in 1927 and encouraged Brendan to go to Europe and study hotel management.
Brendan was appointed catering comptroller at Shannon Airport in 1945 and some of the first meals served at the Airport were prepared at the hotel. From this base he embarked on a series of visionary projects which transformed the Shannon region. The Shannon Free Zone, duty free shopping at Shannon Airport and the creation of Shannon College of Hotel Management are but a few of his enormous contributions to the region.
The Old Ground Hotel is the first hotel in Clare to celebrate his public service and legacy in a permanent manner by displaying a bronze bust. Sixmilebridge Historical Society commissioned a limited edition of bronze busts, which are for sale, a number are on display in local schools and business premises, and one as far afield as at Dubai International Airport.
The society continues to raise awareness of Brendan O’Regan’s impact on job creation and entrepreneurship with a view to inspiring younger generations. The society has funded a very successful Hedge School and podcast to highlight Brendan’s unique contribution to regional development, innovation and social entrepreneurship. In 2024, they organised the inaugural O’ Regan Clare Primary Schools Quiz which will be expanded to include over twenty Clare primary schools this year.
Society Chairman, Tim Crowe said, “We gratefully appreciate the support of Allen, Mary and their team at the Old Ground Hotel, for their generosity and vision in supporting our mission to inform, educate and inspire others on Brendan O’Regan’s impact, as businessman, public servant and visionary”.
