John McShain

John McShain (December 21, 1896 – September 9, 1989) was an American building contractor known as "The Man Who Built Washington".

The company built or was the prime contractor for a number of landmark structures, including the Pentagon, the Jefferson Memorial, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Library of Congress annex, Washington National Airport, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, and the 1949–1952 reconstruction of the White House.

[1][2] In 1952, John McShain established Barclay Stable in the United States and in 1955 expanded its operations to Ireland.

He helped plan the construction of La Salle's original academic building, College Hall.

The John McShain Award is offered to a member of the senior class who maintained an excellent scholastic record and is considered by faculty and staff to have done the most for the public welfare of La Salle.

Over the years, the McShains began visiting Ireland and in 1956 acquired Kenmare House together with 25,000 acres (100 km2) in Killarney in County Kerry.

In July 2011, Leo Varadkar, the Irish Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, announced a €7 million restoration of the manor.

[6][7] In 2018, his nieces Mary Anne O'Donnell, Judy White and nephew Robert McShain, along with his wife Janet, eight of their nine children and assorted other cousins and distant relatives attended the grand opening of the new Killarney House National Park dedication ceremony.