Limerick man who grew up as one of 16 children shares story of running multi million euro business

LIMERICK native Pat Slattery has written a new book focusing on how he moved from his humble beginnings in Limerick to speaking on international stages. 

Born and raised in Ballynanty and he later moved to Moyross, Pat is now an international speaker, networking expert and communications specialist. 

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In his new book When There is Only Plan A - Action, co-authored by Donna Kennedy and others, Pat explores how his early years built the foundation for his future. 

Pat grew up in a large family and would say that his life was shaped by resilience, community and making the most of what little was available. 

He was one of 16 children and grew up in Ballynanty with nine brothers and six sisters in a three-bedroom house and recalled a “great childhood.”

The family moved to Moyross to a four-bed house when he was 10.

His mother still lives in that house and he says the sense of community there is amazing.

“Even when I visit now, kids would call into my mother to see if she needs anything from the shop - she'll never leave Moyross and for me, I will be Limerick all my life.” 

He spoke about how he left school at the age of 14 and worked in a hotel and at one point,  he was working five jobs.

He employed 285 staff in his security  company  which built up a turnover of €25 million and he also delivered Limerick Leader newspapers at one time.

Those early years would go on to form the foundation of a mindset that now defines his work - one built on discipline, connection and taking consistent action.

“Looking back, I said yes to everything and I was a workaholic, but my biggest motivation back then was to find work for my friends or the people I played rugby with. Growing up in Moyross back then, there were very few opportunities,” Pat said. 

He recalled that when he was a working teenager, he wasn't thinking about success. 

“Nobody ever taught me about failure - my life was all about survival. Through every setback in my life, I took one step back and two steps forward,” Pat said. 

Pat's book explores how success is not instant, it is achieved through small steps over time, decisions made under pressure and refusing to let circumstances dictate the direction life goes. 

Pat has worked with audiences all over the world as an international speaker, helping people and organisations to strengthen communication, build meaningful relationships and create momentum in both personal and professional lives.

When he was younger, he would buy books and listen to cassette tapes of American speakers, some of whom he has now had the honour of sharing a stage with, addressing up to 20,000 people. 

“What I learned growing up is that you don't need perfect conditions to move forward. You just need to keep going,” Pat said. 

He added: “Success is not reserved for the lucky or the fearless - it's built through persistence.”

In his contribution in the book, Pat focuses on the power of small, consistent actions. 

Drawing on growing up in Limerick, he says that his chapters show “how belief, discipline and personal responsibility can completely reshape a future.”

Pat said: “Most people are not lacking opportunity, they’re lacking action. The moment you stop waiting and start moving, everything begins to change.”

Pat's book looks at how he built a life beyond what would have been expected of him, how a mindset can shape a life and the power of communication and connection in success.

“It doesn't matter where you are from or what your circumstances are. You need to show up every day and take action with the right intention. Being challenged is part of growth.”

He said that with the prominence of AI, he worries about people losing touch with the sense of community. 

“The best advice I ever got was to surround yourself with lots of good people.

“I see people exchanging community for convenience and people will become isolated - we need a sense of community.”

Speaking about who will enjoy the book, Pat says: “It will resonate strongly with readers who feel they are capable of more but unsure of where to begin.

“Rather than offering just theory, my story is rooted in lived experience, a reminder that momentum is built one decision, one step and one conversation at a time.” 

When There is Only Plan A - Action, brings together voices from Ireland and the UK. It focuses on defining moments in people's lives, and the importance of   backing  yourself fully. 

The book is out now.