John Fitzgerald

Background

About John Fitzgerald

With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, my career began in the bars and hotels of Galway City in the 1990s. What started as a passion for people and service evolved into entrepreneurship when I opened my families establishment in Kilmallock in 2002. Over the years, I successfully navigated economic booms, recessions, and the challenges of the pandemic—always with adaptability, resilience, and a deep commitment to my team and community. In 2019, I made the significant decision to return to education through evening study. What initially felt like a leap into the unknown quickly became a transformative journey. I thrived in collaborative learning environments, discovered a passion for problem-solving, and developed a strong interest in economic and social policy. Following the completion of my undergraduate studies, I joined Mazars’ Corporate Finance Graduate Program, gaining valuable experience in finance, strategy, and team-based project work. While the experience was professionally rewarding, it also clarified my desire to pursue roles focused on education, public engagement, and policy impact. This led me to a part-time lecturing role at Griffith College Limerick, where I facilitated discussions and shared practical business knowledge with students. In parallel, I worked with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth (DCEDIY) and Limerick County Council's Ukrainian Response Team—providing accommodation and integration support to those displaced by war. This hands-on experience deepened my appreciation for effective policy implementation at a community level. In 2024, I completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Further Education and Development at Griffith College Dublin, followed by a Master’s in Economics and Public Policy at the Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick. As of August 2025, I have taken up a new role as Teaching Assistant in the Economics Department at Kemmy Business School, where I support undergraduate teaching and continue to develop my research interests in economic policy, public service delivery, and regional development.