A husband and wife who built a hugely successful international business from the humblest of beginnings have been inducted into the Order of Inisfallen – the highest honour Killarney can bestow.
Con and Anne Stack, founders of the global engineering group Tricel, were celebrated at a special ceremony in Muckross House on December 5th, where they joined an esteemed list of recipients recognised for exceptional contributions to Killarney’s economic and community life.
What began over 50 years ago in a small shed behind their home has since grown into a multinational enterprise employing more than 600 people worldwide – including over 200 in Killarney.
Originally established as Killarney Plastics after the couple identified a growing demand for fibreglass products, the company quickly developed a reputation for quality and innovation. Its early success led to expansion into a purpose-built facility supported by the IDA, marking the beginning of a remarkable growth story.
Today, the company has evolved into Tricel – a major family-led engineering group delivering performance-driven solutions across the water, environmental, construction and distribution sectors. With 14 companies within the group and 620 employees across Europe, the business is now led by the next generation: Michael, Con, Richard and Robert Stack.
Photos: Valerie O'Sullivan
Speaking at the ceremony, Mayor of Killarney Cllr Martin Grady described the Tricel story as “inspiring,” noting how the enterprise grew from modest roots into a centre of international innovation. He praised the Stack family for maintaining a deep commitment to their hometown throughout their expansion.
“Despite this remarkable growth, the family has never lost sight of their roots,” he said. “Their support for local employment, local investment and local opportunity has ensured that generations of families in Killarney and beyond have been able to thrive close to home.”
President of Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, Johnny McGuire, echoed those sentiments, noting that the reaction to the announcement of this year’s honourees shared a common theme: it couldn’t happen to a nicer couple or a nicer family.
“No words of mine could adequately describe the impact the company has made, both as a manufacturer and as an employer of over 600 people,” he said. “Everything Con and Anne have achieved can be attributed to their dignity, commitment and exceptional work ethic.”
The Order of Inisfallen is jointly awarded by Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce and Kerry County Council to individuals who have made an extraordinary contribution to the town. The Stacks now join a distinguished group of previous recipients including King Charles III, actor Michael Fassbender, entertainer Daniel O’Donnell, and leading Kerry entrepreneurs Margaret O’Donoghue of the Gleneagle Hotel, Brian McCarthy of Fexco, and Donie Ring and Michael O’Donoghue of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection.
The recognition marks not only the success of a global company, but also the enduring impact of a family who have championed Killarney every step of the way.
