A native of Knockainey, Co. Limerick, Brian is a highly motivated professional with a 25-year track record of profitable small business ownership, boasting outstanding interpersonal, communication, organisational, negotiation and mediation skills, as well as business expertise in all areas ranging from sales and marketing, business administration and recruiting and training staff.

Brian’s entrepreneurial journey began when he ran his own bar in Hospital, Co. Limerick which saw him recognised by customers and colleagues alike as a consummate professional with a high degree of personal integrity. After a brief spell working in Air Traffic Control with the Irish Aviation Authority, Brian returned to his entrepreneurial calling, and founded EcoStraws Ltd, offering the largest range of biodegradable and reusable straws, and associated eco-friendly products in the world from its warehouse in Co. Limerick. This brought him recognition and awards from the All-Ireland Business Foundation and Enterprise Ireland National Startup Awards. Brian also introduced the world’s first plastic-free PPE shields to Ireland during Covid 19 which saw him recognised as a ‘Global Shaker’ for his fight on single use plastics.

During Covid, Brian also returned to college and graduated with top class honours in Business Management Applications from I.T. Sligo. Brian is currently part of the management team at Duggan Veterinary Supplies Ireland and UK, directly responsible for the expanding Marketing and Communications team, promoting products and services resulting in improvements in animal health and enhanced productivity within the veterinary industry.

Brian has spent many years volunteering for organisations promoting inclusion and diversity in sport and has held Management positions for Special Olympics Ireland at World Games in Los Angeles 2015, Abu Dhabi 2019, and Berlin 2023. Brian was also on the Games Organising Committee for Irish Games in Limerick 2014 and Dublin 2018.

In his spare time, Brian regularly guest lectures in universities across the country, as well as regularly appearing on local and national radio speaking on a variety of topics. He is also known as producer of his son’s Motivational Podcast – ‘The Paudcast’ which garnered worldwide acclaim promoting the mantra that ‘disability does not mean inability’, and both are huge advocates of promoting healthy, active lifestyles.