Most noted as the founder of Aer Arann Express and Aer Lingus Regional, Pádraig has always had an affinity for business. Over the course of his career, he has founded and developed countless businesses, from a variety of industries, including publishing, music, aircraft maintenance, outsourcing, homecare and internet marketing, both locally and internationally. For the residents of Ireland, Pádraig produced over 1,000 full-time job opportunities.
As a speaker, Pádraig can present in both Gaelic and English, as he is a fluent Gaelic speaker and Connemara native. Prior to his career in accountancy, teaching and as a successful solicitor, he received his third level education in NUIG. Furthermore, Pádraig also earned a degree from Harvard University.
Passionate about community support, Pádraig has led charity events and raised significant funding for charities including Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Temple Street Hospital in Dublin and various other charities. On top of being an acting patron for a number of charities, he has served on public bodies like RTE, Fáilte Ireland, Chairman of Ireland West Tourism, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, CROI, Chairman of National GAA Research Board and Chairman of NUIG Business School Advisory Board.
In recognition of his influential business career, Pádraig was awarded the Ernst and Young Irish Entrepreneur of the Year award, before going on to represent Ireland in the World Entrepreneur of the Year, in 2003. Until 2014, he was chosen to chair the judging panel of the Irish Entrepreneur of the Year. In 2004 and 2005, Pádraig was a member of the EY World Judging Panel, making him the only person to be a world judge for 2 years running.
Additionally, Pádraig was named the NUIG Business Alumni of the Year in 2002, in celebration of his contribution to the Irish economy and prospective entrepreneurs, as well as Galway Person of the Year in 2004.
As a business management speaker, Pádraig applies his business knowledge to topics like education and equality, to give business owners an insight into responsible practices.
