12 INDEPENDENT | Tuesday, 5 December 2017 TheNEWS Man who took Risks PROFILE OF PJ McDAID, WINNER OF CHAMBER’S ‘HALL OF FAME’ AWARD 2017 IN many ways the story of PJ McDaid, founder of with his parent’s fierce work ethic and a new suit McDaid’s Bathroom, Plumbing & Tiles in Denis had purchased for him in Reid’s. Cockhill, encapsulates the indomitable The young man did well for himself entrepreneurial spirit of the inhabitants of in Scotland and – like generations of Irish before Inishowen. A week ago in Buncrana, on one of the him – sent money home every month without fail. glitziest business nights of the year, a crowd of 300 A Morris Minor car even found its way back to the rose to their feet as one to acclaim one of their so that his only sibling, Francie, own, a humble man, honoured by his peers as the could take her parents to Mass! 2017 Buncrana Chamber of Commerce Hall of It was on a trip home that PJ met Bridget – the Fame winner. But it was far from gala black-tie Clonmany girl he would marry on St Stephen’s balls that PJ McDaid’s epic story began. Day 1968. In 1972 the pair returned to the Isle of Doagh – two daughters (Trisha and Denise) born by DÓNAL CAMPBELL in Glasgow in tow – and set up home with Denis and Fanny Anne. SEVENTY-TWO years have come and gone since the spring of 1945 when PJ McDaid was born in the Isle of Doagh, Clonmany, to Denis and Fanny Anne McDaid. The world was a different place on Back in the Isle of Doagh April 15, 1945. The Second World War had mere INITIALLY PJ worked with McColgan’s as a days left to run in battle-weary Europe and the salesman but when they moved into their new Ireland of the 1940s and ’50s was a place of want house in January 1973, PJ spotted an opportunity and poverty where only one in four had access to and set up a builders provider, opening for running water. business in June 1974. As he quipped himself: Job prospects in Inishowen were virtually nil “People thought I was mad!” Mad or not, PJ ran a at that time. A bright young fella leaving school at successful business out of the front room of his the age of 14 or 15 would be lucky to find work as house, keeping a steady stream of vans and lorries an apprentice: his wages no more than a few trundling in and out of the Isle of Doagh. shillings a week. There was nothing for it for many Steven, Brian, Patrick and Bredgeen completed but to leave. And so it was for the first born of their family, ensuring that life was a constant Denis and Fanny Anne McDaid. PJ had left school juggle between family and the business. at 14 and three years later, in 1962, took a journey PJ turned his hand to whatever was needed to excruciatingly familiar to generations of keep the show on the road – be that flitting Inishowen folk – boarding the Scotch Boat in families from Glasgow back to Inishowen or Derry and stepping off in Glasgow, armed only operating as a driving instructor. He put in one of

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GETTING ENGAGED OVER CHRISTMAS? n Hall of Fame Award winner PJ McDaid with his wife Bridget Call and view our extensive range of Engagement rings. With styles and budgets to suit everyone. the first telephones on the Isle of Doagh and things happen. One of his strong traits is that he many’s a call was made from ‘Clonmany 55’ for a sits back and listens before speaking – he is doctor or a priest or, for that matter, Joe Green the excellent at gathering information and then stating AI man! his point. But once that point is made, you know Interestingly, considering that the it’s made, and people listen to him.” Golf Course will host next year’s Irish Open, PJ Buncrana Chamber’s Hall of Fame Award is a played a huge role in the development of the commendable boon to the local business Links and has been a former captain and community in that it allows men like PJ McDaid president of the club. and last year’s winner, John McCarter, be Deeply involved in the Saint Vincent de Paul, acknowledged by their peers in their own lifetime. PJ also lent his considerable energy and Clearly moved, the Isle of Doagh man paid tribute application to his native community’s desire to on the night to those who had contributed to his establish Clonmany Day Centre – now a much success, including the businesses of the town that loved amenity in the area. supported each other down the years. He dedicated the award to his customers and staff and paid an emotional tribute to his family: “I am so proud of each and every one of you. I The move to Cockhill have been blessed with good family – you are my AT THE age of 50 PJ made a monumental backbone. Winning this award would not have decision. Buncrana had footfall the Isle of Doagh been possible without the love and support of one could never offer and so, in 1995, the McDaid’s woman – my wife Bridget. She has been my rock moved lock, stock and barrel to Buncrana, setting through thick and thin and through good times and up what would become known as ‘McDaid’s bad. They say that no man succeeds without a Superstores’ at Cockhill. It took a bit of persuading good woman behind him and I can honestly say for Bridget to make the move but, as their daughter this is true. I am truly blessed. Thank you Bridget.” Trisha remarked, “Dad charmed her!” and that was These days he has eased back a little from the that. They never looked back and their business coalface of work, enjoys reading the newspapers, flourished. plays a bit of golf and indulges in another of the As was pointed out in the Chamber Awards great loves of his life – playing the accordion. citation, PJ has survived three recessions and Little wonder Buncrana Chamber saw fit to accumulated 43 years in business: “PJ took risks present their Hall of Fame award to a family man, 40 years ago when no-one did. He was able to an outstanding businessman, and one of Inishowen visualise the bigger picture and thanks to his strong original entrepreneurs – PJ McDaid. work ethic and unwavering determination, made n