A BUSINESSMAN who has done so much for Kerry was honoured with a civic reception at Kerry County Council today.
Brian McCarthy, founder of FEXCO which employs hundreds of people in the county, received the honour where he was praised by councillors for his contribution to the county over the years.
In his address, Mayor of Kerry, Cllr Michael O’Shea said he was delighted they were hosting the reception for “a man who represents the very best of Kerry”.
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“I can think of no more deserving recipient for a Civic Reception than Brian McCarthy. Kerry has many heroes, for example in our Gaelic Games, in social services, in tourism, community groups and the economic and business sectors. Nobody can dispute that Brian McCarthy is another of those heroes – a true Kerry hero.”
“Brian McCarthy is one of life’s gentlemen. He is a quiet, polite and humble man – but that humility disguises a sharp brain, a steely tenacity and a strong determination to achieve goals. A small financial services business founded in Killorglin in 1981 would not have become the international success story it is today without that tenacity and determination.”
“Brian, you have been rightly honoured in many ways over the years. In 2002, you were the Ernst and Young International Entrepreneur of the Year and you have also received the Seán Lemass Award for Excellence in Marketing.
And earlier this year, you were chosen as the Kerry Person of the Year by the Kerry Association in Dublin – the first time somebody not born in Kerry … Brian being born in Cork of course – had received this particular honour.
Brian – you are an inspiration to our county and a treasure in Kerry. No words can adequately describe the gratitude of the people of Kerry for what you have achieved,” said the Mayor.
Mr McCarthy thanked the councillors and said it was a massive honour for him to accept the award. He said he hoped to continue creating employment in the sector in years to come.
Brian McCarthy has overseen the enormous development and growth of FEXCO during the 35 years since its foundation. FEXCO employs more than 2,000 people in Ireland and across the globe. From its Killorglin headquarters it provides a range of financial services to some of the world’s biggest brands.