CO-FOUNDER • BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Daragh
Connolly
From Haulage Heritage to the World of Luxury Handbags
Born and raised in Dublin, Daragh Connolly is Co-Founder and Business Development Director of Hyper Bag Spa (HBS). With a business career spanning more than 35 years, his experience ranges from logistics, property investment to entrepreneurship and the development of HBS in Thailand alongside Patitta Koumkong.
Daragh began his career straight from school in his family's long-established Irish logistics business, Connolly Haulage, now Roadtrain Ltd. Over the following twenty years he progressed from warehouse operative to Group Managing Director, before his career eventually took him from Ireland to Southeast Asia and, ultimately, to the establishment and international development of HBS.
iRISH FOUNDATIONS. ASIAN OPPORTUNITIES. GLOBAL REACH.
THE CONNOLLY FAMILY BUSINESS
From Connolly Haulage to Roadtrain
Daragh joined his family's long-running logistics company, Connolly Haulage (now Roadtrain Ltd / Roadtrain Warehousing & Distribution, Dublin) straight from school, continuing a family business whose history stretches back to the 1930s.
Over two decades he progressed from warehouse operative to Group Managing Director, gaining experience across virtually every level of the organisation. During this period he oversaw logistics operations, property investments in Ireland and Portugal, and a billion Thai Baht hospitality project in Thailand.
Daragh also held board positions in overseas firms and helped establish a property company for the family business in Southeast Asia. His years within the Connolly family business provided the operational, commercial and international experience that would later play an important role in the establishment and development of HBS.
A Career Built from the Ground Up
Twenty years within a family business built across generations.
A NEW CHAPTER IN THAILAND
From Dublin to the Beginning of HBS
When the 2008 economic crash hit Ireland, Daragh relocated to Thailand to oversee the sale of family assets. A chance meeting with Thai leather artisan Patitta Koumkong would dramatically change the course of his career.
Combining Patitta's exceptional craftsmanship with Daragh's business experience, they founded Hyper Bag Spa (HBS), beginning as a modest two-person studio in the small central Thai town of Lopburi.
What started as a tiny workshop repairing a handful of local handbags has since evolved into an international luxury restoration and professional training company, serving clients and training professionals from more than 40 countries.
TWO PEOPLE. ONE SMALL STUDIO. THE BEGINNING OF HBS.
From its beginnings in Lopburi, HBS developed through the combination of specialist craftsmanship, technical restoration expertise and international business experience.
BUILDING HBS
From a Small Thai Studio to an International Business
From Bangkok, HBS now restores high-value luxury handbags and accessories, including exceptional Hermès and Chanel pieces, for clients from Thailand and around the world. Alongside its restoration work, HBS has developed into an international professional training centre, training individuals and companies from more than 40 countries. Its training clientele includes publicly listed companies (PLCs) and some of the world's leading professional garment cleaning companies.
​
Working alongside Patitta Koumkong, Daragh has focused on the commercial and international development of HBS, helping transform the original small operation into a specialist restoration and training business serving private clients, restoration professionals and established companies internationally.
​
With service operations in central Thailand and its Service & Training Centre in Bangkok, HBS combines Patitta's technical leadership with Daragh's business development and international experience. Together they have built a business centred on specialist craftsmanship, professional education and the long-term preservation of luxury possessions.
A BUSINESS BUILT AROUND RESTORATION, EDUCATION & LONGEVITY
At the heart of HBS is a simple principle: valuable possessions should be preserved, restored and used for longer. Extending their usable life protects both their personal and financial value while supporting a more sustainable approach to luxury.
Community, Charity & Irish Connections
IRELAND & THAILAND
Alongside his business career, Daragh has maintained a strong connection with Ireland and the Irish community in Thailand, supporting charitable, cultural and sporting initiatives over many years.
St Patrick's Society Bangkok
Daragh spent ten years volunteering as Treasurer of St. Patrick's Society Bangkok, one of the oldest Irish social organisations in Asia. During this period, he was actively involved in the Society's community and charitable activities, helping to raise millions of baht for local charities, including initiatives supporting Sr. Louise Horgan, a recipient of the Irish Presidential Distinguished Service Award, and the Good Shepherd Sisters in Bangkok.
The Noel Connolly Cup
More recently, Daragh co-founded the Noel Connolly Cup, an international GAA initiative created in partnership with Ballinteer St John's GAA Club and Thailand GAA.
The initiative was established to encourage young female players to remain involved in Gaelic Games as they transition into adult football, while also promoting cultural exchange, charitable giving and stronger connections between Ireland and Thailand.
Through HBS Group, Daragh also serves as a principal sponsor of the event, supporting its long-term development and helping raise funds for the Good Shepherd Sisters.
Strengthening connections between Ireland and Thailand through community, sport and charitable giving.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP & INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
Building Connections Beyond HBS
Connolly Irish Whiskey
During the pandemic, Daragh launched Connolly Irish Whiskey, a boutique Irish whiskey brand created for the Southeast Asian market. Imported and bottled for the region, the brand has developed a presence in Irish pubs, restaurants and venues across Bangkok.
​
The project brought together two important parts of Daragh's life, his Irish heritage and almost two decades of business experience in Thailand. Its development also drew upon his extensive network of business contacts, professional relationships and established connections throughout Thailand and Southeast Asia.
International Business Experience
Having lived and worked in Thailand for almost twenty years, Daragh has developed extensive practical experience of doing business in Southeast Asia. Alongside developing HBS and his own business interests, he has advised international investors on operating in the region and built long-standing professional networks across Thailand and internationally.
CONNECTING PEOPLE, MARKETS AND OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS BORDERS.
BEYOND BUSINESS
A Lifelong Connection with the Sea & Outdoors
Passionate about the outdoors and especially the sea, Daragh is a qualified Yachtmaster (Commercial / Ocean) and Dive Master, with more than 15 diving certifications across recreational and commercial disciplines.
His experience on the water extends from sailing around Ireland and Western Europe to extensive sailing and diving throughout Southeast Asia. Nearly two decades living in Thailand have allowed him to continue a lifelong interest in the sea, travel and the outdoors alongside his business career.
A LOVE OF SAILING, DIVING AND THE GREAT OUTDOORS
IRELAND & THAILAND
Two Countries & One Continuing Story.
A near twenty-year resident of Thailand, Daragh has developed deep local experience and networks while maintaining a strong connection with Ireland and the Irish community overseas.
Nearly two decades after leaving Ireland, Daragh has become a bridge between his homeland and his adopted country. From running trucks across Dublin to restoring luxury handbags in Bangkok, his story is one of reinvention, resilience, and the strong connections between Ireland and Thailand.
Now based in Bangkok with his partner Pattita and step-daughter Jidapa.
IRELAND • THAILAND • FAMILY • BUSINESS • COMMUNITY
