Kinsale Community School will soon welcome a new cultural landmark: the Shane Fitzsimons Riverside Theatre. This facility is dedicated to the memory of Shane Fitzsimons, who passed away in the USA last October. Shane, who grew up in Kinsale was a distinguished businessman and was the former Chief Financial Officer of AIG headquartered in New York.

AIG, under the leadership of Chairman and CEO Peter Zaffino, reached out to Shane’s wife, Deirdre, to identify a fitting project to honour Shane’s legacy. Deirdre proposed a theatre, noting that Shane’s late father, Garry Fitzsimons, had long advocated for a performance space in Kinsale. Garry, a passionate supporter of the arts, dreamed of a venue where the community could enjoy live performances. Anne Fitzsimons, Shane’s mother, expressed her joy that Garry's dream is finally being realized.

The concert hall's construction will begin immediately. Fergal McCarthy, Principal of Kinsale Community School, shared this joy about the new facility. “We initially planned this theatre in January 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed our efforts. Thanks to AIG and the Fitzsimons family this dream is now a reality,” Fergal McCarthy said. He emphasised the economic benefits, including increased tourism and patronage for local hotels and restaurants, as well as the cultural enrichment for the community.

The Shane Fitzsimons Riverside Theatre, with a capacity of 360 seats, will not only host live entertainment but also support the school’s curriculum. The school plans to offer the new Leaving Certificate programme in Film and Drama, with the theatre providing a dedicated space for these activities. Additionally, the annual school musical will now benefit from a purpose-built venue.

Shane’s family, including his wife Deirdre, daughter Keelin, sons Eoin, Conor, and Ciaran, sister Paula, brothers David and Barry, and his mother Anne, met with Fergal McCarthy to discuss the theatre’s design. The Fitzsimons family expressed their delight that Shane’s memory will live on through this significant contribution to the school and the wider community.

The Shane Fitzsimons Riverside Theatre stands as a testament to the enduring impact of Shane Fitzsimons and his family’s commitment to enriching the cultural landscape of Kinsale.