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Billy told us about his roll with Drury Communications and the strong reputation in the market for public affairs & regulatory advice, for campaigning across a range of disciplines and for financial communications. He is the Chair of the Company and works on a day-to-day basis advising a portfolio of clients comprising some of Ireland’s biggest companies.
In addition to Rockwell, he was educated in University College Dublin. His connection with UCD remains strong through his active involvement with UCD Rugby Club.
Billy has also been actively involved with the Leinster Rugby Management Board for the past 12 years.
He was recently made President of Leinster Rugby.
How does your normal day begin?
Having been involved with a busy agency with a wide range of clients for my entire working life, I can testify that there is no such thing as a normal day! Variety is the name of the game with a myriad of issues cropping up, often at short notice.
In my Leinster Rugby role, most of the engagements are on the shoulders of the weekdays or on the weekend. So, I try to schedule Leinster meetings, where possible, in the early morning before my “day job” commences.
Tell us about your biggest daily challenges.
I love the variety of the work and the range of challenges that crop up. This is not a typical 9 to 5 job so issues can emerge at any time of the day, often at times that just don’t suit. Being able to be flexible, responsive and decisive are attributes that have served me well. In addition, my colleagues are a brilliant support. We sub for and support each other on a daily basis, which is integral to developing and sustaining a high-performance environment.
What do you love most about the work that you do?
As with most roles, there is exciting and stimulating work and there is hum drum work. Keeping up standards for each, is a constant objective. Some of our work is high profile and some is subterranean.
Irrespective of the profile of our work, the greatest satisfaction is garnered from achieving desired outcomes, despite the odds against.
With Leinster Rugby, my role is non-executive, but I am blessed to have a front row seat in observing how a successful professional sports team prepares for and executes in a highly competitive environment. I also experience at close quarters, the many volunteers who work selflessly to sustain and build a vibrant amateur sporting organisation across the 12 counties of Leinster.
How do you switch off and relax?
Socialising with family and friends. Consuming media, music, reading, exercise, fun. I also play golf but I’m neither switched-off nor relaxed!
Favourite destination in Ireland to plan a few days away and why?
Roundstone, Connemara, Co. Galway. We’ve been going every summer for 30 years. My daughter, when she was young, described Connemara as “Disneyland for adults!”
Favourite Holiday Destination Worldwide?
Italy in general, Rome in particular.
Business Motto of Motivation?
“Common sense is not so common”
Most memorable thing about Rockwell?
I learned a lot when I was in Rockwell. Not so much from an academic point of view (my own fault!). But having exposure to organised sport (rugby, soccer, gaelic football, athletics), drama, debating, choir and art really opened by eyes and my mind. These experiences undoubtedly set me up for the big, bad world, for which I am very grateful.
There were some great people in my year and a group of us stay in touch via Whatsapp and occasional catch-ups through the years.
I also met my friend and future business partner, Fintan Drury, in the Summer Camp in Rockwell, where we both worked. Drury Communications, operating successfully for 34 years, would not have existed but for my time in Rockwell
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Thanks for connecting with us Billy!!!
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