The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Kerry’s highest honour for McCarthy
KERRY County Council have honoured leading Kerry businessman Fexco founder Brian McCarthy with a civic reception.
The reception took place on Monday with councillors taking a break from their scheduled monthly meeting to pay tribute to the life and achievements of the financial technology and services pioneer.
Mayor of Kerry Michael O’Shea paid glowing tribute to Mr McCarthy whom he said had made a unique and tremendous contribution to he life and economy of the county and the country.
“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,” said Mayor O’Shea.
“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,” Mayor O’Shea said.
“Brian McCarthy has overseen the enormous development and growth of FEXCO during the 35 years since its foundation – and with remarkable success. Prior to founding the company, Brian had worked with AIB for almost 20 years. He clearly saw an opening for a specialised financial services company and he did not hesitate in following his dream,” said Mayor O’Shea.
“The pursuit of that dream now means that FEXCO employs more than 2,000 people in Ireland and across the globe. It has been a remarkable success story. From its Killorglin headquarters it provides a range of financial services to some of the world’s biggest brands. I think it is significant that Brian and his company have never forgotten their roots and that FEXCO has retained its base in Killorglin as its international base. That shows Brian’s love for his home town.”
“Brian McCarthy is 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,” Mayor O’Shea said.