DR BRENDAN O’Regan’s legacy in helping to shape modern day County Clare has been recognised with a new dedicated centre at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.
The new Dr Brendan O’Regan Centre brings together archive material, interpretation and a dedicated exhibition in recognition of the Sixmilebridge native’s lasting influence on tourism, aviation, industry, commerce and peacebuilding in Clare and the wider world.
The new centre was developed after longstanding efforts by the Sixmilebridge Historical Society to recognise the work of O’Regan with a permanent exhibition. A working group was later formed to bring the project to fruition, comprised of members of the Sixmilebridge Historical Society, Shannon Chamber, Ei Electronics, Atlantic Aviation Group and others.
Clare County Council provided project funding for the exhibition as well as a location within Bunratty Folk Park. A dedicated research group, with support from the O’Regan family, gathered and collated material for the exhibition.
A statue of the towering figure of Clare history sculpted by artist Seamus Connolly features as part of the dedicated exhibition space, made possible through the support of Clare County Council, primary sponsor EI Electronics, and with support from Atlantic Aviation Group, Engine Lease Finance Corporation, Shannon Chamber of Commerce, CAE Parc Aviation, The Shannon Airport Group, Roche, Shannon Engine Support Limited and Shannon Aviation Museum.
Speaking at the official opening of the centre, newly elected Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, cllr Joe Killeen (FF), spoke of the inspiration future generations could take from O’Regan’s legacy.
“As we open this centre today, we celebrate a legacy of innovation, service and belief in what is possible. We also invite future generations to be inspired by Brendan O’Regan’s example: to think differently, to work with others, and to build opportunities that benefit communities far beyond our own time”, the Corofin man explained.
Tourism benefits of the new centre were highlighted by council Chief Executive Gordon Daly who stated that “The opening of the Dr Brendan O’Regan Centre is an important addition to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park and to County Clare’s wider tourism offering”.
“Bunratty is one of Ireland’s best-known visitor attractions, and this new centre adds further depth to the experience by telling the story of a Clare man whose vision, energy and determination helped to shape the County and region we know today”, he continued.
Director of Services for Tourism, Festivals, Libraries and Cultural Services with Clare County Council, Siobhán McNulty, called the centre “a fitting tribute”, to the Sixmilebridge man, adding that “Through this permanent exhibition at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Clare County Council is proud to celebrate not only his remarkable achievements in tourism, aviation and economic development, but also his commitment to innovation, peace and public service”.
Dr Brendan O’Regan was born in Sixmilebridge in 1917 and trained in hotel management before establishing the world’s first duty free at Shannon Airport in 1947 and opening Shannon College of Hotel Management in 1951. In the 1960s, O’Regan was instrumental in establishing the Shannon Free Zone, bringing a surge in employment to the Midwest. The entrepreneur was also committed to helping to end The Troubles, establishing both Cooperation Ireland and the Irish Peace Institute to bring an end to violence in the North.
