The Shannon Aviation Museum marked a major milestone on Friday, 21st August, with the official opening of the new Eddie Ryan Wing, a fitting tribute to one of the pioneers of aviation heritage preservation in the Shannon region. The event attracted a large attendance from across Ireland’s aviation community, including representatives from the Irish Air Corps, commercial aviation, aviation businesses, local government and long-time supporters of the museum.
The opening represented the culmination of a vision first established by Eddie Ryan and Jane Magill more than 25 years ago. What began as a passion project to preserve aviation history has grown into one of Ireland’s most significant aviation heritage attractions, with a collection spanning military, commercial and general aviation. Shannon Aviation Museum itself was founded by Eddie Ryan and Jane Magill and has steadily expanded its collection and educational activities over the past two decades.
Opening proceedings were led by Jane Magill, who paid an emotional tribute to Eddie Ryan and his unwavering commitment to creating a world-class aviation museum in Shannon. She reflected on the many challenges overcome along the way and thanked the countless individuals and organisations whose support helped transform that vision into reality.
Jane also acknowledged the significant contributions made by the Irish Air Corps, The Michael Guinee Charitable Foundation, The Shannon Airport Group, Atlantic Aviation Group, local authorities, volunteers, donors and many other supporters who have played a vital role in the museum’s development. She emphasised that the museum’s success was built on collaboration and a shared determination to preserve Ireland’s rich aviation heritage. Previous museum developments have likewise acknowledged the support of the Irish Air Corps, Clare County Council, Ei Electronics and other local stakeholders.
A major highlight of the afternoon was the announcement of significant new funding from a Charitable Foundation established by Michael Guinee, founder and Chairman of Ei Electronics. The funding, to Irish Aviation Foundation trading as Shannon Aviation Museum, will support the purchase of the land and buildings occupied by the museum, helping secure the facility’s long-term future and ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy and learn from its growing collection. Ei Electronics has been a longstanding supporter of the museum and has previously backed its expansion efforts.
Speaking at the event, Michael Guinee highlighted the importance of community-driven projects and praised the contribution the museum has made to the Shannon region. He noted that the museum had become an important educational, cultural and tourism asset while also helping preserve a unique part of Ireland’s aviation story.
The gathering also heard from the Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council Joe Kileen, who emphasised the museum’s value to the local economy, tourism sector and wider community. The Cathaoirleach encouraged continued support for Shannon Airport and highlighted the important role aviation continues to play in the region’s development and identity.
Brigadier General Rory O’Connor, General Officer Commanding the Irish Air Corps, delivered a particularly significant address, reflecting on the long-standing links between the Air Corps and Shannon. He recalled how Shannon, then called Rineanna, became the site of the Air Corps’ first maritime patrol operations during the Emergency (World War II) period, a key chapter in Irish military aviation history.
Brigadier General O’Connor also paid tribute to the crew members lost in the tragic de Havilland Dove “188” accident in 1961. Earlier that morning, members of the Defence Forces participated in a commemorative ceremony organised by the Sarsfield Branch of ONE, to mark the occasion and remember those who lost their lives.
He expressed his delight that so much of the Irish Air Corps heritage collection is now accessible to the public through the museum. He noted that preserving and sharing this history is essential to ensuring future generations understand the contribution made by Air Corps personnel over the past century.
The commemorative ceremony was attended by several distinguished figures closely associated with the development of the Irish Air Corps, including Major General Ralph James (Retired), Brigadier General Paul Fry (Retired) and the wife of Brigadier General Pat Cranfield, all of whom made significant contributions during their respective periods of service and leadership.
Also addressing guests was Clare TD Cathal Crowe, who recalled first meeting Jane Magill and Eddie Ryan while learning to fly at Coonagh in the early 2000s. He spoke warmly of their passion for aviation and praised the extraordinary progress made since those early days. He highlighted the important role the museum has played in showcasing the aviation heritage of the Shannon region and ensuring that local stories are preserved and shared with visitors.
The New Collection
The newly opened Eddie Ryan Wing houses an impressive range of aircraft and exhibits from Irish Air Corps history, significantly expanding the museum’s already substantial collection.
Among the highlights are:
- Fouga Magister CM170s 219 and 220
- Percival Provost 183
- de Havilland Chipmunk 164
- de Havilland Vampire 191
- Reims Rocket 206
- The base section of an Aérospatiale Alouette III
- The specially painted tailboom from Alouette III 196, which was decorated in 1993 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Alouette operations in the Irish Air Corps
These aircraft complement the museum’s existing Irish Air Corps collection, which already includes:
- Reims Rocket 210
- SIAI-Marchetti 231
- Fouga Magister 216
along with a growing collection of uniforms, artefacts, photographs, equipment and memorabilia documenting the history of Irish military aviation.
Throughout the day, guests enjoyed drinks receptions before and after the formal proceedings, while the event concluded with a barbecue where attendees had the opportunity to mingle, renew old friendships and admire the museum’s newest exhibits.
The opening of the Eddie Ryan Wing stands as a testament to the passion, dedication and perseverance of both Eddie Ryan and Jane Magill. Their determination to create a permanent home for Ireland’s aviation heritage has resulted in a facility that continues to grow in both scale and significance.
For anyone with an interest in aviation, history, engineering or simply a great day out, the Shannon Aviation Museum is well worth a visit. Located adjacent to Shannon Airport, the museum offers a unique opportunity to explore Ireland’s rich aviation story through an ever-expanding collection of aircraft and exhibits. The museum also operates educational programmes, flight simulators, guided tours and special events throughout the year.
For more information about the Shannon Aviation Museum, please visit: www.shannonaviationmuseum.com
Main photo above marks the official opening of the Eddie Ryan Wing of the museum. Pictured among the special guests were members of Eddie Ryan’s family, Jane Magill, Michael Guinee and elected representatives. Photo via the Irish Air Corps.
