Francis Brennan: My proudest achievement in life has been buying Park Hotel Kenmare at 24

I used to ring my mother every night — over 3,000 people went to her funeral. Sligo never saw the likes. 

Francis Brennan: I would like to be remembered as a very fair person

I am one of five, three brothers (Francis, John and Damien) and two sisters (Susan and Kate). My father was a grocer in Stepaside, and we lived on Balally Drive, just off Sandyford Road. There were 37 houses on the road and everybody knew everybody. Every mother looked after every child. We were very lucky; it was a very happy childhood.

I think my earliest memory is making my confirmation. I can't quite recall it, but I think I remember being in Westland Row church. I don't remember the Bishop calling me out to say the Hail Mary or anything like that... I have a hopeless memory. People say 'oh, remember you were at my wedding?’ I wouldn't even remember you're married, never mind being at your wedding!