Image caption (above): Red Stag at Killarney House and Gardens, photo taken by Conservation Ranger Peter O’Toole of Killarney National Park in County Kerry, Ireland
By Kelly McShain Tyree
Giddiness descended as the furtive text alerts started pouring in from US area codes: Seattle, Denver, Pennsylvania, NYC, Massachusetts…over 30 of our family members representing the McShain and the Horstmann clans had begun to touch down on Irish soil. The invitation arriving from Pat Dawson, regional manager for the National Park and Wildlife Service read: “On behalf of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, You are invited to the Official Opening of the new Interpretative Centre — A Gateway to Killarney National Park by Brendan Griffin TD, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport At 11 a.m. on Friday 28th September 2018 At Killarney House and Gardens.”
A generous gift had been fully realized…now we were arriving from all corners to celebrate a glorious accomplishment. Our Irish American Uncle John McShain and his wife Mary Horstmann McShain of Philadelphia, had gifted 26,000 acres of Irish land in County Kerry to the Irish government which included: Killarney House and Gardens, Ross Castle, Innisfallen Island and its surrounding lakes. They fell in love with the Killarney people who had been so kind and welcoming to them — so they had given it all back. Their private home and lands would now be shared with the public for all to enjoy.
Darby McShain, Nathan Moore and Dugan McShain enjoying Uncle John McShain’s Rolls Royce Silver Cloud on display at Killarney House and Gardens.
The seed had been planted years prior when our Great Grandfather, John McShain Sr. emigrated from County Derry to Philadelphia in 1882 and began his construction business — ultimately becoming a preferred builder for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. At his passing, his young son of the same name, subsequently built the company to soaring new heights. “John McShain, Inc.” completed over 85 Mid-Atlantic projects including notables such as the Pentagon, the Jefferson Memorial, the Kennedy Center, and also re-built the collapsing White House during Truman’s presidency. It was a source of family pride that John had been hired by both Democratic and Republican Administrations, with a joyful photograph of John sitting in a convertible with FDR outside his newly completed Hyde Park Library.
“The Man Who Built Washington,” by Carl M. Brauer.
John McShain was respected and fair and knew his numbers and project timetables. He was a man of devout faith, and as children, we were awed with stories that he attended Mass every day. Along with wife Mary, he was also generous. As benefactors and philanthropists, university buildings were named in his honor on campuses such as St. Joseph’s and La Salle and Georgetown; scholarships were provided for deserving students; donated chapels built or necessary building renovations financed — stories and experiences came from so many we encountered and were woven into the fabric of our lives. But what of Ireland — that beautiful mystical country of my family before us, that had called him home and swept him away?
An advanced private reception at Killarney House would welcome us offering greater understanding. The past and present staff of Killarney House and Gardens had been invited to gather and share stories with McShains and Horstmanns — back and forth tales of humor and pathos from across the Atlantic. Alterations to the private home were evident showcasing world-class technology and interactive educational experiences introducing the natural wonders of the park. Delightfully curated private tours of the beautifully restored Killarney House living rooms, offered personalized glimpses of both private and public entertaining. With much humor, the former chef regaled us with countless gourmet potato recipes, which for decades served visiting statesmen, clergy, or small picnics packed for horse and buggy jaunts or boat rides to the family’s Innisfallen Island — a favorite intimate spot to dine among the sacred ruins of 6th century monastery for John, Mary and their daughter, Sister Pauline.
Landscape architects and historians shared the painstaking depths of attention they and their teams had poured into each detail of the land restoration. Their exhibits detailing the storied ownership of the 26,000 acres from the earliest days of the Earls of Kenmare, through John and Mary McShain, and now launching onward to the Irish people. Fifth generation family members of gardeners and land managers mingled with scientific researchers and conservation rangers discussing re-introduction of red deer to the Park, or birds thought lost to Ireland now returning. The McShain butler and now caretaker shared the practical side of life at Killarney House then and now. The current of the evening was energized and hopeful — the transition held “tough love” moments for those who lived the beautiful past experiences of a loving family who called this their home. For those who were carving out a new present, this Killarney House and Gardens meant a future- for their families, for the town, for Ireland. Cousin Betsy Joyce Bracken, who had last visited in the late 1970s, shared that “John and Mary would be so pleased to know their estate was employing so many — that was what they wanted.”
Noted Irish photographer and author, Valerie O’Sullivan captured the arriving dignitaries and invited guests for the opening ceremonies. With a breathtaking backdrop, Pat Dawson thanked many including ‘The Viscount de Vesci, Tom DeVessey — nephew of the last Earls of Kenmare and first cousin of Beatrice Grosvenor.” Dan Kelleher of NPWS was also lauded for his reassuring role that the State would properly serve the public. “We might all be on the outside of the Golden Gates looking in instead of being here to enjoy and appreciate the gift that the McShains have given us.” Of equal note Pat acknowledged Jimmy Deenihan, “our former Minister who, at a difficult time for our country, ring-fenced the necessary funding, with the support of the then Minister for Tourism and now our Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, to allow for the commencement and completion of a €10million restoration and refurbishment program at Killarney House and Gardens.”
Minister of State Brendan Griffin acknowledged “the foresight and generosity of the McShain Family” which inspired Failte Ireland, the Irish Tourism Agency, to add €5.2 million matching funds for Killarney House and Gardens and seize the opportunity to provide a top class Visitor Center. The importance of Killarney National Park could resound as a template for future projects and help secure Ireland as world leaders on ecology. As McShain family representative, Betsy Joyce Bracken presented the Minister with “The Man Who Built Washington,” he correlated how County Kerry was a brighter beacon for sustainable hope, and young families could better build their own financial futures on Irish soil.
A fierce advocate for nurturing this dream to fruition, daughter Sr. Pauline McShain’s words were read: “My father, John McShain a dedicated and often overworked contractor, came to Killarney to relax and find solace among the mountains and lakes. The people of Killarney opened their doors to my parents. This house and the town of Killarney hold a special place in our hearts, and it is with joy that now it is open for all to appreciate the history of the town of Killarney, this estate, and the picturesque beauty of this park.”
The vibrant and charming town of Killarney topped off our family’s amazing “homecoming” experience with chartered boat rides to Innisfallen Island; jaunting about in horse and buggies exploring Killarney’s many other great houses and ancient sites; tee-time at picturesque Killeen Golf Course; as well as amazing pub fare! As the taxi cab driver transported our party back to the Airport, he pointed out the gift of the road that John McShain had donated for the local town. “We wish to build a statue for Mr. and Mrs. McShain — it’s about time we gave them something in return.” Little did the folks of Killarney know how great a gift indeed they already shared with each of us through their kindness, inherent grace, and by the renewed hope that such a glorious shared countryside could serve the souls of so many.