Aerospace firm's staff set to hold big reunion in Limerick

FIVE charities from across the region are to benefit as part of a fundraiser to mark a well-known Shannon firm’s 35th birthday.

Shannon Aerospace, located in the vicinity of Shannon Airport, has employed more than 3,000 people in its lifetime.

Now owned by Atlantic Aviation, the firm exists to overhaul short and medium range aircraft.

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From its former and current staff a committee was formed to raise at least €100,000 for Limerick Suicide Watch, Milford Care Centre, Pieta House, Bunratty Marine Search and Rescue, plus the Shannon Aviation Museum.

This is being done through a range of activities including a reunion dinner, set for Friday, March 28, at the Limerick Strand Hotel.

The €100,000 target has been smashed, with €160,000 raised so far giving a boost to the charities.

Committee chair Ben Whelan said: “Our aim is to celebrate the anniversary with colleagues, past and present, whilst also raising significant funding for these amazing local charities.”

The idea of Shannon Aerospace, set up in 1990, came from Tony Ryan - of Ryanair game - and the Guinness Peat Aviation group.

He convinced Lufthansa and Swissair to set up an aircraft maintenance facility in Shannon.

In what was the largest project of its kind ever undertaken in Ireland, 1,075 new jobs were created.

Former employees are invited to get in contact with any committee member to join the dinner and the fundraising effort.

More information on the fundraising effort can be found by contacting Ben Whelan, the founder and chief executive of Shannon Technical Services.

He can be contacted through email at benwhelan@shannontechnicalservices.com.