Statue unveiled of Clare native whose business generated $90bn revenue worldwide

A LIFE size statue to honour one Clare native, whose business idea generated $90bn worldwide, has been unveiled in a local town square.

Brendan O’Regan from Sixmilebridge created Ireland’s first industrial duty-free zone, Shannon Free Zone, which is now a $90bn industry worldwide.

A life sized bronze statue, created by sculptor Seamus Connolly, was unveiled in the Square in Sixmilebridge, opposite the house Brendan O’Regan was born into in 1917. 

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The statue, commissioned by Sixmilebridge Historical Society and Shannon Chamber, was revealed in front of an audience of the O’Regan family, project sponsors, and Clare County Council on Monday, July 10. Members of local communities and businesses also attended.

Describing Brendan as a “man with a big vision and unbounding energy”, Shannon Chamber president, Eoin Gavin, said: “Brendan O’Regan’s realm of influence spreads far and wide, and his vision transformed Shannon into the industrial powerhouse for the raising of living standards in Ireland’s Mid West, which continues today.

“The life-size bronze statue, strategically placed in the Square, Sixmilebridge, for all to see, will serve as a visible manifestation of the founding father of industry and tourism in this region and beyond. It will serve to preserve his memory forever.”

Addressing the audience by acknowledging Brendan’s contribution to modern life, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Councillor Joe Cooney, said: “Brendan O’Regan’s contributions to economic, social and cultural development helped to shape modern Ireland.

“His initiatives include the world’s first duty-free airport shop at Shannon Airport, Ireland’s first industrial estate, Ireland’s first hotel school, the first New Town, and three separate peace organisations. He had an enormous impact – locally, nationally, and internationally.”

The statue was commissioned by Sixmilebridge Historical Society in partnership with Shannon Chamber, and made possible by the sponsorship proved by Ei Electronics as anchor sponsors and associate sponsors, Clare County Council, Eoin Gavin Transport, Neil Pakey, The Shannon Airport Group, Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) Shannon branch and Shannon College of Hotel Management, University of Galway.