Paddy Power is a fourth generation Irish bookmaker. Paddy’s great grandfather, Richard, started the family business back in 1894 from his native Tramore, Co. Waterford in the sunny South East of Ireland.

Richard Power successfully grew his business to become one of the most respected and well known bookmakers in Ireland, and even ventured across the water to bet on the rails at some of the big meetings in the UK in the early 1900s. Paddy’s grandfather, Paddy, then took over the family business and passed it in turn on to Paddy’s father David.

In the 1980s betting tax in Ireland was halved which opened the market to an influx of the big UK betting firms.  This put the traditional Irish bookmakers under huge competitive pressure and it was in this climate that David Power merged his family betting shops with John Corcoran of Patrick Corcoran bookmakers and Stewart Kenny of Kenny O’Reilly bookmakers.

The Power name was retained due to it’s resonance with Irish punters, and the prefix Paddy was used to emphasise the company’s Irishness.

Paddy spent his school holidays working for his father at various Irish racecourses, and in summers marking the boards in many Paddy Power betting shops.  After graduating from Dublin City University Paddy started working full time for the company where he now holds the position of Communications Director.

Paddy is one of the best known bookmakers today with regular appearances on TV and radio across the UK and Ireland.

Paddy will be speaking on Day 3 - Thursday 24th May

• 14:00 - 14:45 Paddy Power - Irreverent Marketing
• Conference Room 2: Trends, Regulation & Finance Track