Brendan O’Regan: Irish Innovator, Visionary & Peacemaker

Brendan O’Regan, pioneer of duty free airport sales, founder of the Shannon industrial estate, and major contributor to Ireland’s economic development from the 1950s, was pivotal in opening Ireland to world trade and international tourism. This lavishly designed, color illustrated biography, written by two of O’Regan’s long term colleagues, is the first to examine in detail the extraordinary achievements of this remarkable patriot. During his long career, Brendan O’Regan: initiated the idea of duty-free airport sales-a concept now standard in international airports; founded Ireland’s first hotel management college; established the world’s first tax-free, export industry estate in Shannon which became the model for similar zones across the world; travelled the world advising politicians and officials on the creation of special economic zones; as Chairman of Bord Fáilte, promoted tourism to Ireland with outstanding success; and founded Cooperation North in 1978 to promote peace in Ireland and better relations between the North and the South. [Subject: Irish Studies, Business Studies]