Pat McDonagh targeted as Supermac's issue warning over fake video
The company said it is completely fake and has no connection with Pat or Supermac’s
Fast food giant Supermac’s have issued a warning after a fake video of owner Pat McDonagh has been circulating online.
The business behemoth, who opened the first of his 118 stores in Ballinasloe in 1978, is the latest well known person to be targeted by AI trolls.
Supermac’s was made aware of the issue on Thursday and said the video circulating is “completely fake and has no connection with Pat or Supermac’s”.
A spokesperson for the company said: “Pat has appeared in plenty of videos over the years - but this definitely isn’t one of them.
“We’ve been made aware of an AI-generated video circulating on Facebook which uses Pat McDonagh’s likeness and voice to promote a scam.
“We’ve reported it to Meta and are working to have it removed. In the meantime, if you come across it, please don’t click on any links, provide any personal or financial information or engage with the offer.”
They finished the statement by jokingly saying that while “AI might be getting better at impersonating Pat, thankfully it hasn’t managed to open a Supermac’s yet”.
Interviewing Pat last month, he told this publication that the best piece of advice he ever got was only four words - but that it made him the man he is today.
Pat’s advice was to “never, ever give up”. He explained that every business will experience good days and bad days, but the key is to keep going and to not be discouraged by setbacks.
He pointed to The Banner Plaza in Ennis as an example, explaining that the project took around 12 years of work and planning before permission was eventually secured and construction could begin.
Back in July, a lucky jackpot winner of over €8 million bought their Quick Pick ticket at Pat and his wife Una’s Moneygall Plaza named after former President Barack Obama.
Pat McDonagh said it’s “wonderful to think that someone simply dropping in has had their life changed forever” adding that they were “absolutely thrilled”.
He said: “Everyone here is hugely excited by the news and we would like to congratulate the winner of this incredible prize.
“We hope they take the time to enjoy the moment, celebrate with their loved ones and make the very most of this life-changing win. On behalf of everyone at Obama Plaza, we wish them every happiness for the future.”