#41 Seamus McDaid: How A Small Brand Is Going Global Taking On Powerhouses Like Coca-Cola: McDaids Football Special

Ryan sits down with Seamus McDaid, the fourth-generation Irish entrepreneur behind McDaid’s Football Special, the craft soda from Donegal that’s been part of local celebrations for decades.The McDaid family turned a small family business into one of Irelands most iconic drinks, poured into trophy cups across generations and forever linked with Donegal heritage and community pride.Seamus shares what it’s like to carry a four-generation legacy, to modernise a brand without losing its heart, and to balance innovation with authenticity. From stories of his childhood around the family factory to his reflections on leadership, identity, and tradition, this conversation uncovers the human side of building something that truly lasts.We also dive into how McDaid’s continues to compete with global powerhouses like Coca-Cola, the challenges of staying independent in a market dominated by giants, and the importance of storytelling, resilience, and purpose in sustaining a local Irish brand on a global stage. It’s a story about legacy, family, and what it means to build something that outlives you, a true story with lessons for anyone chasing their own dream.