Mayo teen entrepreneur competing on global stage needs online votes

A young entrepreneur from Ballinrobe, Co Mayo is making waves on the international stage and is now calling on local support as he competes in a major global business competition.

Nineteen-year-old Micheál Monaghan is currently ranked third in his group of 90 contestants in the prestigious Entrepreneur of Impact competition, taking place in Vancouver.

Monaghan, a keen sportsman who has represented Ballinrobe in Gaelic football, soccer and boxing, is the founder of premium sportswear brand ál’in Apparel. He launched the business using savings from a school job before moving to Canada in 2024 to grow the brand internationally.

Describing the opportunity as “massive”, he said: “I started ál’in Apparel at home in Ballinrobe, and now I’m trying to take it to the world stage. If I can do it, it shows any young person back home that it’s possible.”

The competition’s top prize includes $25,000 in funding, mentorship from Daymond John of Shark Tank fame, and a feature in Entrepreneur Magazine.

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Micheál’s brand focuses on high-quality men’s performance wear, designed for both athletes and everyday comfort. Its products aim to offer an alternative to synthetic materials commonly used by larger global brands.

He credits his progress to consistency and discipline rather than short-term motivation.

“Motivation fades, but discipline doesn’t,” he said. “Whether it’s boxing or business, it’s about showing up every day and putting in the work.”

With the competition decided by public vote, Micheál is encouraging people across Mayo to support his campaign.

“It takes just ten seconds to vote, but it could make all the difference. I’d love to bring this title home,” he said.

If successful, he plans to reinvest the prize money into expanding the business, particularly in stock and logistics, with the long-term aim of creating jobs.

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“The goal is bigger than me – it’s about building something that can support others too,” he added.

The Ballinrobe native’s progress has already generated local interest, with many in the community backing his bid to succeed on the global stage.

You can vote and support Micheál in the Entrepreneur of Impact competition here.