Jim Flannery (1961) R.I.P.
We were all so saddened to hear of the passing of Jim Flannery on April 3rd. Jim was such a supporter of Shannon College of Hotel Management and a regular attendee of so many alumni events.
He was married to a fellow graduate Margaret, their son John was in the Class of 1988 and their grandson James was a 3rd year student who very sadly died in early 2025.
His career was spent in hospitality and tourism and he leaves such an impressive legacy. As Chief Executive of the Irish Hotels Federation (1978 – 1988) he led the Federation as the driving force for the private sector of the Irish tourist industry gaining positive national policy changes for the sector.
Since 1988 he carried out extensive consulting assignments in Africa, the Middle and Far East, the USA and Europe. These included. drafting national tourism plans, establishing and managing Tourist Boards (Sierra Leone, the Gambia and Kenya.
He was Deputy Chairman (2011-2016) of “Tourism Ireland” the all island tourism marketing body funded by the governments of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Jim was profiled in the Hotel & Catering Review in 1977 – you can read the article >> HERE.
Along with Daniel Mcloughlin who was a 3rd year in 2011 – they both spoke at the 60th Anniversary celebrations of Shannon College and compared their stories and memories of SCHM – it was a wonderful performance and probably the highlight of the day!
Jim was a gentleman and our thoughts are with his heartbroken family, classmates and many friends.
May dear Jim rest in peace.
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