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Pictured at the official opening of the Eddie Ryan Memorial Wing (l-r)  Gerry Murphy, Brigadier General Irish Air Corps Rory O’Connor, Cathaoirleach Joe Kileen, Secretary General Department of Defence Jacqui McCrum, Gordon Daly CEO Clare County Council, Philomena Ryan, Geraldine Ryan, Michael Guinee, Derek Barrett CEO Michael Guinee Charitable Foundation, Jane Magill Museum Chair, Peter Murphy Ei Electronics. Pic Don Moloney

Shannon Chamber was delighted to be represented at the official opening of the new Eddie Ryan Memorial Wing at Shannon Aviation Museum last week.

Chief Executive Helen Downes said: “The opening of the new wing, which now houses the Irish Air Corps Museum Collection, ensures that this important part of Ireland’s aviation history is preserved and, importantly, accessible to the public throughout the year.

It is another important milestone in the development of a facility that has grown into a valuable aviation heritage, educational and tourism asset for Shannon and the wider region.”

Ms Downes said it was particularly fitting that the new wing was named in memory of Eddie Ryan, whose vision, together with Jane Magill, helped begin this journey more than 20 years ago.

“The continued development of the Museum is a wonderful legacy to that vision and to Shannon’s unique place in Irish aviation history,” she added

“We also warmly welcome the announcement of significant funding from the Michael Guinee Charitable Foundation, which has enabled Shannon Aviation Museum to purchase the land and buildings it has occupied for the past 18 years. Securing ownership of its home provides a strong foundation for the Museum’s future development and expansion.

“We congratulate Jane Magill, the Museum’s Board, CEO, staff and wider team on everything they have achieved. Their commitment and determination have transformed Shannon Aviation Museum into a facility of which Shannon can be extremely proud.

We wish the team every success as they embark on the next stage of the Museum’s development.”