Our tribute to a true Industry Great Andy McKenna

Today we say goodbye to Andy Mckenna who passed away peacefully at his home in Greystones this week. I had the great privilege of working for Andy in Atlas Travel and American Holidays for a number of years before moving to mainstream tour operating with Falcon Holidays. Andy was a unique boss, mentor and friend. Diligent in everything he did and loyal to all who worked for him and those who were lucky to call themselves a trade partner. He never missed an opportunity to engage, share and ensure you were on your game in the fairest and most supportive fashion imaginable.

I continued to meet Andy regularly for personal and business catchups throughout my career and always took his guidance and advice up to when he took ill. Andy had the unique talent of uncanny foresight and timing in everything he did business wise. His knowledge of all sectors was unrivalled and evident in what he achieved in the USA and Ireland establishing brands that continue to flourish to this very day with Atlas Travel and American Holidays in Dublin and Belfast. Andy was also a very modest golfer in his day and told many a great story of how he travelled the USA taking many a dollar from unsuspecting challengers.

Andy will be missed but his legacy and success remain with all of us who had the great honour of working, trading and engaging with a true gentleman.

Andy will be deeply mourned, sadly missed and forever loved by his wife Patricia, children Frank, Trina, Eimer, Ciara, Stephen & Beth, all his grandchildren, his sister Mary, his sons-in-law Paul, Michael, Derek and John, daughters-in-law Sonya and Debbie, his nephews and nieces, extended family and friends.

Rest in peace Andy, you will never be forgotten.

Don Shearer.