Pádraig Ó Céidigh

Pádraig Ó Céidigh

Entrepreneur, Author of The Purposeful Decision Maker, Independent Senator (2016–2020), Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship & Business at University of Galway

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Pádraig Ó Céidigh is a visionary entrepreneur and former Independent Senator who transformed Aer Arann from a small regional airline into a €120 million enterprise carrying over one million passengers annually.

As Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship and Business at NUI Galway, he has contributed to academia, chaired the Business School Advisory Board, and received the Business Alumni of the Year award

Pádraig combines 26 years in aviation with academic studies to help others create personal decisions making process

Biography

Pádraig Ó Céidigh has had a multifaceted career as a teacher, solicitor, accountant, entrepreneur, and legislator. In 1994, he acquired Aer Arann, guiding its growth into one of Europe’s fastest-growing regional airlines and establishing the Aer Lingus Regional brand through strategic partnership.

Beyond aviation, Pádraig has founded and developed enterprises across media, healthcare, and education, collectively creating more than 1,200 jobs. His leadership in governance spans roles as Chair of Fáilte Ireland West, Chair of the GAA’s National Corporate Governance and Research Committees, and board member of RTÉ, Shannon Group, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, and others.

Appointed as an Independent Senator by An Taoiseach (2016–2020), he chaired the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services, achieving cross-party agreement on a politically sensitive national issue. He also authored Ireland’s SME Strategy, and introduced the Perjury Bill (2018) — Ireland’s first comprehensive perjury legislation.

An Honorary Doctor of Economics (University of Galway, 2025), Harvard alumnus, and Senior Professional Coach (EMCC), Pádraig is also Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Galway. His Amazon US bestseller The Purposeful Decision Maker (2024) explores clarity, integrity, and resilience in leadership.

He lives in the west of Ireland with his wife, Caitlín.

Topics

The Purposeful Decision Maker

Drawing on over 26 years in aviation, business leadership, law, and public service, Pádraig offers a practical framework for decision-making that balances purpose, ethics, and performance.

This keynote explores:

How values-driven decisions enhance long-term success.
Applying aviation’s precision and risk management to business leadership.
Creating a personal framework for purposeful, transparent choices.
Balancing short-term action with long-term impact.
Building resilience and integrity through self-reflection.
Avoiding decision fatigue and maintaining focus under pressure.

Entrepreneurship & Leadership

Insights from scaling Aer Arann and building multiple ventures in aviation, media, and education. Lessons on growth, innovation, and creating high-performance teams.

Governance, Policy & National Leadership

What it takes to drive consensus and transformation across government, business, and community — from legislative reform to national enterprise strategy.

Coaching & High-Performance Mindset

How leaders, athletes, and entrepreneurs can strengthen clarity, purpose, and adaptability through evidence-based coaching frameworks.

Innovation & Building for Scale

Turning entrepreneurial vision into sustainable business growth while embedding governance and accountability.