The sixth series of Dragons’ Den, sponsored by Bank of Ireland, returns to RTÉ One this Sunday at 9.30pm. A brand new Dragon has been unveiled who will appear from the first episode of this season - Eamonn Quinn, formerly of Superquinn, will replace former Dragon Sean O’Sullivan. Eamonn was Deputy Chairman and Marketing Director of the supermarket chain Superquinn, working with father Feargal Quinn until the company was sold in 2005.
Since then, Eamonn invests in a number of private projects through the Quinn Family investment portfolio which include ventures related to the global food retail sector, green energies, and private equity funds besides others. He expressed excitement about joining the show: “Dragons’ Den is a fantastic process – getting the opportunity to meet so many entrepreneurs over such a short period of time is unique.
“The fact that you don’t know who’s coming in next adds to the excitement and really makes you focus on what makes the business work, or not, as the case may be. The engine for growth for any economy is new business and I think Dragons’ Den promotes entrepreneurship which will ultimately drive economic growth.”
Eamonn Quinn will join the four existing Dragons who are Ramona Nicholas, Barry O’Sullivan, Peter Casey and Gavin Duffy, in the show that challenges both Ireland’s top entrepreneurs and its inventors. The last series saw record investments of over €1 million with 17 investments and 59 pitches. The next ten part series will see a host of original and unique ideas pitched to the Dragons ranging from bull semen to flavoured butter.
Commenting at the launch of Dragons’ Den 2014, producer of the series and CEO of Screentime ShinAwil, Larry Bass, stated, "It is great to be back with the 6th series of Dragons' Den on RTE One on Sunday nights. We love Sunday evenings in ShinAwiL, a great night to stay in and watch TV before the week ahead.
“Last year it was fantastic to bring in Junior Dragons' Den to Irish TV; it is back this series and we have added one episode with participants from 3rd Level. Finally it is also our pleasure to introduce Eamonn Quinn on board as our newest Dragon."
Dragons’ Den will be broadcast for ten weeks from Sunday 23rd March until Sunday 1st of June (excluding 25th May).
The two special Junior Dragons’ Den episodes will air Sunday 18thMay and Sunday 1st June 2014 with an episode featuring participants from 3rd level institutions to air on the 11th of May.
Dragons’ Den, sponsored by Bank of Ireland, is produced by Screentime ShinAwiL for RTÉ.
