This tribute to Dr. Brendan O'Regan was written by Margaret O'Shaughnessy, our Director, Curator and Founder:

Dr. O'Regan was born in Sixmilebridge, County Clare in 1917. His parents played a major role in developing his innate gifts. His childhood was marked by a turbulent and violent period in Irish History, but he acquired a love of Ireland and a pride in being Irish. This later developed into a passion that the Irish could perform as well as, if not better than, any other nation on the world stage and a burning desire to bring peace to his country.

His latent talents and the values of childhood gave him the power to achieve greatness. He was a visionary who dreamed dreams and had the ability to fulfill them. In 1942 his talent was spotted by Mr. Sean Lemass. He offered him a job as Catering Comptroller in the restaurant at the new airport terminal in Foynes. The courageous O'Regan was undaunted by the prospect of taking over a restaurant which was being run by British Imperial Airways, whose clientele list read like the "Who's Who Guide" for that era! He considered himself to belong to the first generation of free Irishmen, and this was a chance to show what the Irish could do on an international stage. His confidence in his own ability was well founded.

During his time in Foynes as a gifted Manager, he chose a great team to work with him and set standards. "Eye Appeal" was the buzzword in the restaurant - food had to look good as well as tasting good. People who worked with him said that "he inspired in them a keen sense of motivation and achievement". Everyone's ideas were listened to, and each person was treated with equal importance. It was during this time that his Chef, Joe Sheridan, invented Irish Coffee.

In 1945 he transferred to Rineanna, which is now Shannon Airport. In 1950 he established the world's first duty free shop at Shannon, and in 1951 he set up The Shannon International College of Hotel Management. In 1958 he established Shannon Free Airport Development Authority, and this was such a success that a new town was established: "Shannon Town".

In 1955 he joined Bord Failte, and during this time he developed the Shannon region with Bunratty Castle & Banquets, the Rent an Irish Cottage Scheme and also Bunratty Folk Park. In 1957 he was appointed Chairman of Bord Failte and held this position until 1973.

In 1979 he launched Co-operation North which evolved out of the peace movement.

In 1984 he founded the Irish Peace Institute which is based at University of Limerick, and in 1986 he founded the Shannon Centre for International Co-operation.

Dr O'Regan's achievements have been acknowledged both nationally and internationally, and he has been the recipient of many prestigious awards. But in spite of his success and being so highly acclaimed at home and abroad, he was still a most humble and unassuming man. He always reminded people that his successes were the result of team effort, playing down his own role.

Dr O'Regan summed it up in his own words: "I have a great sense of incredulity from time to time at having being involved in so many big things, and I recognise that it puts me under an obligation till the end of my days to try and do anything I can to pass on the benefit of the extraordinary experience that I have had. It is an exciting time for the young in Ireland, because we have a great Country, and we have a lot of well-educated young people". (My Education/Brendan O'Regan)

He will be sadly missed by so many people but particularly his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this sad time. He was my Hero.

Margaret O'Shaughnessy
Foynes Flying Boat Museum