Chuck Feeney – Class Patron 1991 R.I.P.
Chuck Feeney’s ashes were buried in Glasnevin cemetery in early December 2023 – what an inspirational man he was.
Chuck Feeney made an enormous contribution to Irish Universities. Shannon College through its integration with the University of Galway has gained greatly from his generosity.
He was a Class Patron of the Class of 1991 and was present at their Conferring. As Class Patron he brought them on two occasions to Ashford Castle for a weekend.
It is not widely known that he was a great friend of the Founder of Shannon College of Hotel Management, Dr Brendan O’Regan from his time in Shannon Airport. He sold cars to US servicemen transiting the airport in the 1950’s and saw the benefits of Duty Free as pioneered by Brendan O’Regan. He went on to cofound the retail giant Duty Free Shoppers.
We were very fortunate that he also assisted Shannon College through introductions to potential donors during its successful fundraising for new facilities in the 1990’s.