Denis Reen (b. 1941)

Track 1: Denis Reen was born in Millstreet, Co. Cork, and he explains that following his graduation as a dentist he took over the practice of Stella O’Meara in Denny Street, Tralee, in 1969. He discusses his first impressions of the town, joining the John Mitchels GAA Club and his introduction to the Rose of Tralee Festival Committee by Brian Sheehy. Track 2: The development of the Festival through a number of phases is described, and he explains that he became Chairman of the Committee in 1973, with Margaret Dwyer as President, during the second phase. He recalls the first outing of the Dome, the races at Ballybeggan, the huge voluntary effort by local people and the famous entertainers who performed at the Festival at this time. Track 3: The great support of the Festival by Tralee Urban Council is emphasised and his co-workers on the Committee are mentioned. The revenue generated locally during the Festival is also discussed. During the third phase of the Festival, he explains that took a step back in his involvement as it became a private business. Track 4: The establishment of Na Gaeil GAA Club in Tralee, the lands which were purchased for the facilities, and his involvement in the club’s instigation are discussed. The design and building of Tralee Golf Club at Barrow to replace the old Club at Mounthawk, and the logistics involved in this major venture, are also described. Track 5: In the early 1990s, Denis Reen instigated the Tralee Task Force, and he recalls gathering a number of local people from the private and public sectors with the aim of working together in the tourism arena for the benefit of the town. From this initiative came the building of the flagship Aquadome in Tralee. He was also involved in the establishment of the new Tralee Chamber Alliance and he discusses the implications for the Alliance following the abolition of Tralee Town Council.