He took his Irish Leaving Certificate in 1983, then attended Oriel College, University of Oxford, graduating with an honours degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, having represented the university in tennis, rugby and punting, and having led a motorcycle expedition from Oxford to China. He also represented Oxford in debating and was treasurer of the Oxford Union.The Sunday Business Post, "The Son That Got Away", Gavin Daly, Dublin, 31 October 2004.
