Inside the Fun-Filled Life of Cork's Event Maestro: David O'Donnell

Meet David O'Donnell

I’m Dave, a proud husband to Caroline and father to Naoise, Daire, and Dougal (our lovable giant sheepadoodle!). I hail from Cork, grew up near Blackrock, and currently reside in Ballinlough. My journey has kept me close to home, with the exception of a few holidays.

After studying accounting at University College Cork, I spent around 12 years working in Deloitte and Grant Thornton before joining Cool Running Events in 2021 as the commercial director. My background in accounting, particularly in tax and corporate finance, laid the groundwork for my current role.

My Role at Cool Running Events

At Cool Running Events, my responsibilities are diverse, including managing commercial agreements, overseeing finance, and scouting new sites and experiences. Each day is unique, as our small team collaborates on various tasks — from operations to sales and marketing.

Weekend Vibes

Friday nights are typically family-oriented, filled with walks or trips to the playground, enjoying a nice meal, and finding something good to watch on TV. As for lie-ins, I prefer to wake up early to fit in my training before work, especially with a toddler who greets the dawn.

Work does creep into my weekends since they are crucial trading days for us. Although I mainly work weekdays, weekends are sometimes necessary for checking in, but it’s rarely a chore since we are in the business of fun.

Dream Getaways

If money were no object, I’d love to take a weekend city break in Boston with my family, especially to catch a Patriots game at Gillette Stadium. Closer to home, we recharge at our mobile home in Timoleague, enjoying beach walks and open-water swimming.

Family and Friends

Spending time with family and friends is essential on weekends. We often meet friends at the marina or local markets. I’m also passionate about triathlons, training regularly and participating in events, which adds a social aspect to my routine.

Culinary Adventures

As the family cook, I love to entertain. While I don’t have a signature dish, I strive to make meals healthier, especially when it comes to our mojitos! For special meals, Cafe Paradiso is our go-to for incredible vegetarian food, while Good Day Deli is perfect for brunch.

Sunday Routine

Sunday nights are usually spent preparing for the week ahead, whether it’s cooking or organizing our schedules. My alarm goes off at 6:30 am on Mondays, but with a toddler, it’s always a surprise!

Weekend Activities

You’ll often find me at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh over the weekend, where we’ve just launched our Alpine Skate Trail as part of Winterlee, Cork’s newest winter wonderland. Whether it’s connecting with our team or enjoying some ice skating with family and friends, I’m always involved!