Pat McDonagh

Patrick "Pat" McDonagh is the founder of Supermac's - a major Irish fast food franchiser. A former school teacher, he is now a multi-millionaire.

Personal Life

Pat is a native of Co. Galway, where he lives with his wife Una. He was educated at Carmelite College, Moate, Co. Westmeath and Mary Immaculate College, Limerick.

Pat earned the nickname ‘Supermac’ whilst playing Gaelic football for the Carmelite College in Moate. This then became the natural choice of name for his business, “Supermac’s”.

Business Ventures

He founded Supermac's in Ballinasloe, County Galway, Ireland in 1978 after failing to get planning permission to build a pool hall. He has expanded the franchise to over 105 stores across Ireland. Pat is joined on the board of directors by his wife Una, who is also actively involved in the running of the business.

He also owns numerous business ventures in the food and customer service industry. Among these are the Claddagh Irish Pubs, a casual Irish pub-themed chain in the United States, founded in 2001. In 2006 Pat bought the Franchise Rights for Papa John’s Pizza in Ireland. There are now over 63 Papa John’s Pizza outlets throughout the country. 2014 saw Pat establish SuperSubs salad and sandwich bars which provide Supermac’s customers with additional healthy options.

Pat’s newest ventures include travel plaza’s across Ireland including The Barack Obama Plaza (M7, Moneygall), Tipperary Town Plaza (Limerick Road), Mallow N20 Plaza (Limerick Road) and Junction 16 Kiltullagh Plaza (Opening early 2016). Pat has further increased his business portfolio with the recent purchase of The Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise and the Charleville Park Hotel, Cork which follow on from the current success of the Loughrea Hotel & Spa, Galway and the Castletroy Park Hotel, Limerick which were bought and developed in 2014 and 2012 respectively. Pat also owns property around the country.

Sporting Interests

Pat is a keen sports fan, having a particular interest in GAA. This love of sport has seen Supermac’s sponsor many sports teams including Galway Hurling Teams, Connacht Rugby, Galway Camogie Teams, the Irish Rowing Squad and local sports clubs around Ireland. Pat and Una are also strong supporters of charities and of the Arts in Ireland. Supermac’s currently sponsors114 sports teams, arts organisations and charities throughout the country. Most recently Supermac’s have taken on the sponsorship of Galway Football and Galway Ladies Football. Supermac’s is the first company to be worn on both the hurling and football Galway jerseys. Now in its 25th year of sponsoring Galway Hurling, Supermac’s has put in the region of €3 million into the sport locally.