Exquisite renovation thrills on opening of Butler Centre
IT was an emotional occasion for Antoinette Butler and her family as they and their many friends celebrated the official opening of the stunning new Butler Centre on Friday.
In an incredible renovation project, Antoinette has breathed new life into the old bank at the northeastern corner of the Square - much to the good for the economy of Listowel as the centre plays host to an expanding language academy.
She was joined by proud sons, Tomás and Diarmuid, proud parents Tony and Mary and a host of close friends as the centre opened its doors on an exquisitely decorated and appointed scene.
“It was a lovely occasion and a very proud and emotional one for my parents alright,” said Antoinette.
The Butler Centre is the latest high point of an impressive business story. Just five years ago Antoinette launched Irish Host Family Ltd - bringing students from across Europe to Kerry and placing them with local families to learn English and so much else about Irish culture.
“Wages in the HSE where I worked had been cut at the time and I was just looking for something that would bring a bit more to the economy.” From Antoinette’s Castleisland base, Irish Host Family blossomed into a county enterprise with 220 families across Kerry now hosting young Europeans.
Jimmy Deenihan was guest speaker on the night with Maria Brosnan of Bake it Easy as MC; Antoinette also thanked renovation project manager Sean Dillon and plasterer Dan Maunsell for their wonderful work in rejuvenating the old bank.