Best business advice Supermac’s owner Pat McDonagh ever received was only four words
Pat McDonagh shares the lesson that helped him become the business behemoth we see today including the Supermac’s that took around 12 years of work to open
The best piece of business advice Supermac’s owner Pat McDonagh ever received was only four words - but it has made him the man he is today.
The Managing Director of one of the world’s biggest food franchises welcomed the 32 Roses of Tralee to Barack Obama Plaza in Moneygall on Tuesday, August 11, as the contestants made a special stop in Tipperary on their journey to Tralee.
The visit brought the Roses from Ireland and around the world together at the famous midlands landmark for an afternoon of Irish music, dancing, food and entertainment.
First, we put Pat on the spot with a question away from the Roses. We asked him what was the best piece of business advice he has ever received and the answer makes for an interesting insight into the thinking behind one of Ireland’s best-known entrepreneurs.
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.
For Pat McDonagh, the visit was a chance to give the Roses a taste of Irish hospitality.
The Roses were treated to traditional Irish dancing and live entertainment along with some food. Then later during the event, some of the contestants got the opportunity to go behind the Supermac’s counter and try their hand at making the famous Moozies ice cream.
Others took customer orders as the contestants got a taste of what it is like to work behind the counter.
The afternoon was hosted by Rose of Tralee Committee Member Ollie Turner, with champion Irish dancers Saoirse and Lucy among those performing for the Roses.
The visit concluded with the traditional group photograph at the Barack Obama statue before the contestants continued their journey towards Kerry.
Speaking to Galway Live, Pat McDonagh reflected on the significance of welcoming the Roses to Moneygall, the international appeal of the Rose of Tralee and the fun involved in putting some of the contestants to work making ice creams for the people there to support them.
With Roses representing communities across Ireland and around the world, Pat said the visit was an opportunity to show the contestants some of the warmth, hospitality and entertainment that Ireland has to offer.
The Roses will now continue their preparations for the 2026 Rose of Tralee International Festival, which gets underway on Friday, August 14.
Watch our video interview with Pat McDonagh above as he talks about welcoming the Roses to Barack Obama Plaza.