Seamus McFadden The Third - absolutely loaded!
A BILLIONAIRE American – whose ancestors are from Donegal – this afternoon pulled out of a bid to buy Glenveagh National Park and open a Las Vegas style casino strip there – because he doesn’t even exist!
That’s because our ‘story’ of this morning was an April Fool.
And while some of you knew this – many of you fell for our wee bit of fun on April 1.
For readers who didn’t see the original, here it anyway….
Seamus McFadden The Third, a wealthy oil tycoon from Oregon, can trace his ancestry to the tiny townland of Glassagh in Gaoth Dobhair from where his great great great great grandfather emigrated in the 1780s.
We understand he plans to offer the cash-strapped State €980M for Glenveagh Castle and the estate and has ambitious plans to build a complete Las Vegas strip along the two mile entrance to the castle and gardens.
Included in the plans are:
* Sixteen casinos, the largest of which will be bigger that Croke Park
* An airport and landing strip
* 11 hotels ranging from 3 star to 5 star luxury
* a massive indoor children’s entertainment centre with a 1000-ft high bouncy castle
* Four entertainment clubs with an incredible 86 differently-themed bars
* 36 luxury deer hunting lodges complete with heated outdoor swimming pools.
New look for Glenveagh? Welcome to Donegal?
And incredibly McFadden plans to bring together Elvis’s old band for nightly shows including a 3D digital Elvis re-mastered from old videos of the king of rock.
Forbes – the American organisation which rates the wealth of business people around the world – reckon McFadden The Third, now aged 69, is worth a reputed €27 Billion.
A source close to the deal told donegaldaily last night: “Seamus visited Donegal for the first time last August. He never shows off his wealth and is quite a humble man who inherited a large fortune from his grandfather Seamus McFadden Senior.
“But he didn’t just blow the cash. He re-invested in oil, renewable energy, Mexican gold mines and in numerous casinos in (Las) Vegas.
“He spent a couple of days at The Seaview and walked every road of Gaoth Dobhair. He has traced his family tree and he’s related to quite a few locals. He has kept this very quiet but is hoping to have a big family reunion this summer.
“He’s a bit of a philanthropist as well. He gives millions away every year.”
Now McFadden plans to bring a little bit of Nevada to the hills of Donegal.
During his trip here last summer he also stayed for two nights at the Mount Errigal Hotel in Letterkenny before being driven around the south of the county and staying two nights a the Abbey Hotel in Donegal Town.
“He’s very serious about the plans and is in Donegal again tonight with a full posse of lawyers and Public Relations staff. There may be an announcement sometime on Friday afternoon,” said the source.
“It all depends on whether or not the people of the county want this investment. But Seamus wants to give something back to the auld sod.
“The entire complex will take six years to complete – and when it is, at least you won’t get bitten by midges in August. All the heather where they feed will be ripped up to make way for the airport!”
MORE TO FOLLOW LATER
Have you seen Seamus McFadden? Email us on info@donegaldaily.com.
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