The Flutter community is deeply saddened by the passing of David Power, one of the founding pillars of Paddy Power, who passed away peacefully on Monday, July 8, surrounded by his loving wife, children, and grandchildren.
A Legacy Born in Bookmaking
Born in 1947 into what would become a bookmaking dynasty, David Power was destined for a life in odds and wagers. His lineage of bookmakers traces back to Tramore racecourse in 1895.
Remarkably, his mother is believed to be the first woman to hold a betting license, and the family’s on-course operation, named after his grandfather Richard Power, was a staple at racetracks until David retired after the 2018 Cheltenham Gold Cup. The deep expertise in offering numerous markets, pricing complex outcomes, and managing risk effectively that Flutter boasts today is rooted in this family heritage.
The Birth of Paddy Power
David’s entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly as he co-founded the company that would become Paddy Power. Alongside Stewart Kenny and John Corcoran, the trio merged their retail shops in 1988 to compete with British bookmakers entering the Irish market.
They chose a name that was both distinctively Irish and conveyed strength and pride—Paddy Power. The name also honored David’s son, Paddy, who has since become synonymous with the brand known for its cheeky, punter-friendly approach and innovative spirit.
A Family’s Support
David faced his illness with remarkable grace, supported by his family, including his wife Sabena, son Paddy, brother Willie, and sisters Tessa and Shani. The Flutter community extends its heartfelt condolences to them as they reflect on David’s extraordinary legacy.
A Modernizer of the Industry
David Power will be remembered not only for establishing Paddy Power as a leading retail bookmaker in the 90s but also for his role as a modernizer of the industry. He was instrumental in Paddy Power’s decision to embrace the internet, leading to a period of significant growth.
The company listed on the Irish and London Stock Exchanges in 2000, became the first bookmaker on the Apple app store in 2010, and merged with Betfair in 2016. This merger set the stage for Flutter to expand globally, including aggressive growth in the US.
A Legacy of Sharp Insight
A skilled bettor and a chartered accountant, David Power provided invaluable insights and posed challenging questions to successive management teams. Even after formally leaving the Paddy Power board in 2013, he maintained a strong presence in the business, engaging with colleagues at events like the Cheltenham Festival and the company’s AGM in Dublin.
A Fond Farewell
Everyone at Flutter, including Paddy Power colleagues past and present, mourns the loss of David Power. We offer our deepest condolences to the Power family and honor the incredible legacy David leaves behind. May he rest in peace.
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