There are rich men, and then there are powerful men. Dermot Desmond is both.
A billionaire financier, a serial investor, and a man whose influence stretches from the boardrooms of Dublin to the tunnels of Celtic Park, Desmond isn’t just one of Ireland’s richest individuals—he is one of its most powerful.
Yet, for all his wealth, for all his connections, you will rarely see his name in the headlines. He doesn’t crave attention, he controls it. He isn’t a man who needs validation, because he already has the power.
Dermot Desmond is the kind of man who doesn’t just play the game—he funds it, owns it, and changes it when it suits him.
Update – August 2025: In a recent interview, Dermot Desmond sparked debate by suggesting Dublin should scrap the planned €23 billion MetroLink project in favour of AI-powered autonomous vehicles. While critics say the technology isn’t yet ready for city-wide public transport.
Desmond argues it could leapfrog decades of infrastructure delays and position Dublin at the forefront of transport innovation. His comments have reignited discussion about the balance between proven solutions like MetroLink and the disruptive potential of artificial intelligence
The fact that his latest comments ignited such a firestorm is another clear ilustration of why this is the story of a billionaire who operates in the shadows but controls the levers of power.
THE MAKING OF A BILLIONAIRE
Born in 1949 in Dublin, Dermot Desmond was never interested in being famous—only in being rich.
His first major breakthrough came when he founded National City Brokers (NCB) in 1981, an investment firm that quickly became one of Ireland’s largest financial institutions. By the time he sold it for €39 million in 1994, he had already moved on to bigger things.
What followed was an investment empire.
Desmond’s genius isn’t in creating businesses—it’s in identifying undervalued opportunities, backing them, and turning them into multi-million or billion-dollar assets.
He is Ireland’s Warren Buffett—except he is far more private, far more ruthless, and far more mysterious.
WHAT COMPANIES DOES DERMOT DESMOND OWN?
Over the years, Desmond has built an investment portfolio that spans multiple industries, including finance, sports, aviation, and technology. His most notable holdings include:
- Celtic Football Club – His most famous public investment, where he holds a majority stake and has shaped the club’s financial future.
- International Investment & Underwriting (IIU) – His private investment company, which manages his personal fortune.
- Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) – A former stakeholder, where he played a key role in its expansion.
- Glencore – A major global mining and commodities company, where Desmond has had strategic interests.
- Betdaq – An online betting exchange that he sold to Ladbrokes for €30 million.
- Sandy Lane Hotel, Barbados – One of the world’s most exclusive resorts, owned in partnership with JP McManus and John Magnier.
- Numerous private equity investments – From startups to real estate, Desmond’s investments are as diverse as they are secretive.
Desmond doesn’t just own companies. He acquires, develops, and sells at the perfect moment—which is how he has remained one of Ireland’s richest men for decades.
DERMOT DESMOND AND CELTIC FOOTBALL CLUB
For many, Dermot Desmond is synonymous with Celtic.
While he doesn’t interfere in day-to-day management, make no mistake—he runs the club. His financial backing has kept Celtic dominant in Scottish football, and when major decisions need to be made, Desmond is the final authority.
How much of Celtic does Dermot Desmond own?
Desmond owns approximately 35% of Celtic Football Club, making him the largest single shareholder.
Is Dermot Desmond a Celtic fan?
While Desmond’s first love in football was Manchester United, he became a passionate Celtic fan after buying into the club in 1994. He sees it as more than a football team—it’s an institution, and he controls it like a king ruling his kingdom.
DERMOT DESMOND’S PRIVATE LIFE: FAMILY, RELIGION, AND POWER
For all his wealth and influence, very little is known about Dermot Desmond’s private life. He keeps it guarded, locked away from public scrutiny.
But here’s what we do know:
Dermot Desmond Family and Children
Desmond is married to Patricia Desmond, and together they have three children. His son, Brett Desmond, is being groomed as the heir to his empire. Brett is married to Andrea Corr, a former model, adding to the family’s high-profile but secretive nature.
Dermot Desmond Religion
While not publicly outspoken about his faith, Desmond is known to be Catholic, aligning with many of his business partners and long-time associates like JP McManus and John Magnier.
Dermot Desmond’s Brother
Unlike other business tycoons, there is very little public information on Dermot Desmond’s extended family, including any brothers. This is testament to how private he keeps his personal affairs.
DERMOT DESMOND’S PRIVATE JET: THE BILLIONAIRE LIFESTYLE
Does Dermot Desmond own a private jet? Of course he does.
While exact details are not publicly available, it is known that Desmond flies on private aircraft, often using Gulfstream or Bombardier jets for business and leisure trips. His presence in places like Barbados, London, and Geneva is often marked by discreet private aviation movements.
When you’re worth billions, commercial flights simply aren’t an option.
FAQ: UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF DERMOT DESMOND
How much is Dermot Desmond worth?
Dermot Desmond’s net worth is estimated to be over €2 billion, making him one of Ireland’s wealthiest men.
Who is the richest family in Ireland?
The Mistry family, owners of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, are currently the wealthiest. However, Desmond, John Magnier, and JP McManus are considered the most powerful in terms of influence.
How rich is JP McManus?
JP McManus is estimated to be worth over €2 billion, thanks to his investments in betting, property, and racing. Read more about him here.
Does Dermot Desmond have a private jet?
Yes. As a billionaire investor, Desmond travels extensively on private jets to destinations like London, Barbados, and Geneva.
DERMOT DESMOND: THE BILLIONAIRE WHO CONTROLS HIS OWN DESTINY
Some billionaires crave attention and publicity. Dermot Desmond is not one of them.
He doesn’t give interviews. He doesn’t court headlines. He doesn’t play by the rules of the media-driven world we live in.
And yet, he is one of the most powerful men in Ireland, a kingmaker in business, football, and finance, a man who moves in silence but controls more than most politicians ever will.
He is a financier, a Celtic king, a private man with unlimited influence.
And unlike most billionaires who come and go, Dermot Desmond’s power isn’t temporary. It’s permanent.
Because while others seek attention, Desmond seeks control.
And in the end, control is the only currency that matters.
📌 Related Reads:
- JP McManus: The Billionaire, The Gambler, and the King of Irish Racing
- John Magnier: The Silent Architect of Irish Power
- Vincent O’Brien: The Genius Who Redefined Horse Racing
- Aidan O’Brien: The Mastermind Who Redefined Racing
- Willie Mullins: The Genius Who Turned Jumps Racing Into an Art Form
- Henry de Bromhead: The Quiet Genius Who Conquered National Hunt Racing
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