First year Marketing, Innovation and Technology (MInT) student Oliver O’Gorman is the 2026 recipient of the Dr Séamus McDermott Entrepreneurial Scholarship. Oliver has already set up two businesses and, as he explains, he is looking forward to making the most of every opportunity this scholarship provides.
“I’m from Phibsborough, near DCU and got my first part-time job in a café at age 15. I worked there for a year before deciding I’d like to try my own thing, so a friend and I set up a window cleaning business. At first, it was just for the summer, but we decided to keep it going. Now we serve thousands of clients around Dublin’s north side. It’s been phenomenal.
After that, I met someone who asked if I would be interested in starting another business, which became the running apparel brand I launched last July. We have built up an amazing run club community, hosted monthly events and do collaborations with businesses all over Dublin. I didn’t study business in school and always thought that I would study art and design in college.
“Setting up my businesses made me realise that I like selling myself and that I’m good at it.”
I decided to do the Marketing, Innovation and Technology (MInT) degree in DCU as it’s a broad course and there’s a creative aspect to it. I’m really enjoying the LIFE module; it’s focused on real life, and I can relate to so much in it.
My parents have always been supportive of everything I do. I’ve run my business from a shed in the back of my house for years and my mum has helped at all my events. They could have easily said no, but they know I’m getting a lot out of it. It was amazing for them to see me receive the Dr Séamus McDermott Entrepreneurial Scholarship. The financial benefit means they don’t have to worry about paying my college fees.
“There are also amazing networking opportunities for awardees, and I want to put my name down for everything.”
I would never label myself as an entrepreneur but it’s nice that all these years of trial and error, working hard and meeting people has resulted in me being considered one. Being awarded the scholarship was very validating.
Outside of work and college, I’m a big hurler and play for Na Fianna, near DCU. I also played freshers’ hurling in college this year as much as I could and am friends with lads on the team. I want to be an entrepreneur, but I also want to find that balance. College will pass by in an instant and I want to get the most out of it, which includes making real friendships.
I love meeting new people and I thrive off networking and making connections. Every decision I’ve made, good or bad, has led me to something that I loved. After college, my plan is to take every opportunity that comes my way and give it a go. If I can keep doing that, I’ll be happy.”
