Gavin Duffy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gavin Duffy
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| Born |
Liam Duffy
29 April 1960 Kildare, Ireland
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| Nationality | Irish |
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| Known for | Main dragon on the Irish version of Dragons' Den |
| Political party | Independent |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 4 |
Gavin Duffy was born on April 29, 1960. He is an Irish entrepreneur and businessman. An entrepreneur is someone who starts and runs their own business. He used to own part of HRM Group, which is one of Ireland's biggest companies for finding jobs for people. Gavin Duffy often speaks at business events in Ireland. He also ran for president in 2018 but was not elected.
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Early Life and Family
Gavin Duffy was the youngest of three brothers. When he was a child, he lived in Sallins, County Kildare. His father, Ned Duffy, had a pig farm there. His mother, Anne Duffy, ran a restaurant called The Gem in Naas. Gavin went to St. Laurence's primary school in Sallins.
In the early 1970s, his family sold the farm. They then moved to Drogheda, County Louth. There, they bought a pub. Gavin lived above the pub on West Street. He went to St. Joseph's Secondary School in Drogheda. Later, he attended Newbridge College in County Kildare.
Starting a Career
After school, Gavin Duffy started his own radio station called Boyneside Radio in Drogheda. He changed his birth name, Liam, to Gavin because he thought it sounded "cooler."
In 1989, he helped create the first licensed local radio station in the area, called LMFM. This station was later sold in 2004. In 1992, he started his own company, Gavin Duffy and Associates. He runs this company with his wife and business partner, Orlaith Carmody.
Gavin Duffy also worked for RTÉ, which is Ireland's national broadcaster. He presented a TV business show called Marketplace. He also helped with the radio show Morning Ireland and presented Holiday Ireland.
Dragons' Den and Other Roles
Gavin Duffy is well-known for being a "dragon" on Dragons' Den. This is a TV show where people present their business ideas. The "dragons" are successful business people who might invest their own money in these ideas. He has been on all eight series of the Irish version of the show.
In 2016, Gavin Duffy received a Lifetime Achievement Award. This award was from the Chamber of Commerce in Drogheda. In 2017, he helped lead debates for the Fine Gael political party. These debates helped choose their new leader, Leo Varadkar. Leo Varadkar later became the Taoiseach, which is the Prime Minister of Ireland. Gavin Duffy has also advised other political leaders.
He is the Chairperson of Bizworld Ireland. This is a non-profit group that teaches primary school children about business. He also supports Suzanne House and the Drogheda Classical Music Series. He used to be the Chairman of the Hunting Association of Ireland.
Presidential Election Campaign (2018)
Gavin Duffy was a candidate in the 2018 Irish presidential election. To become a candidate, he needed support from four county councils. He received nominations from Meath County Council, Carlow, Wicklow, and Waterford City and County Council.
During the election, he talked about his past experiences. In the election, Gavin Duffy received 2.2% of the votes. He finished last among the six candidates.
Personal Life
For the past 20 years, Gavin Duffy has lived in Bellewstown, County Meath. He lives there with his wife, Orlaith Carmody, and their four children.
