Ollie Geraghty’s story begins on a scenic farm in the heart of rural western Ireland. The youngest of eight children in a hardworking family, Ollie grew up surrounded by the rhythms of farm life, with horses and sheep as part of his everyday world. Despite the love and care his parents gave, there were few luxuries—family holidays were a distant dream. Yet, Ollie’s childhood was filled with the richness of imagination, especially when it came to aviation.
As a boy, Ollie and his best mate Dave shared a passion for building model airplanes. With a sense of wonder and devotion, they would spend hours assembling these kits, their little hands working tirelessly, and their minds dreaming of the skies. For Ollie, the only real contact with planes came during rare trips to town with his father, when he would ask to stop by the airport to watch the planes take off and land. This fleeting moment was a precious treat, fueling his dreams and leaving a deep longing to one day soar through the skies himself.
In his teenage years, Ollie took a different path, signing up to be a carpenter’s apprentice. His dedication and hard work over the next five years paid off, and Ollie became a highly skilled carpenter, ready to begin his career. Seeking new opportunities, he made the bold decision to emigrate to Australia in his mid-twenties. He quickly found work in his trade and gained a reputation as an exceptional craftsman. However, the challenges weren’t far behind. The company he worked for was led by a boss who took advantage of his hard work and expertise, underpaying him for his skill. Rather than let this injustice define him, Ollie made the courageous decision to venture out on his own.
As an independent contractor, Ollie’s business flourished. He soon employed 23 carpenters and secured lucrative contracts from builders around Sydney. His business acumen was evident, and success seemed to follow him at every turn. Yet, even with such a thriving enterprise, Ollie never forgot the dream that had lingered in his heart since childhood: aviation. He enrolled in a flying school and, ever the savvy businessman, decided to purchase his own plane, making the lessons more affordable and personal. That’s when Ollie’s passion for flying truly took flight.
But Ollie’s journey didn’t stop there. His heart yearned for a very specific kind of aircraft: the Vans RV-7, a custom-built plane renowned for its aerobatic capabilities. These planes were rare, and Ollie’s search for one was relentless. Then, during the global turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic, tragedy struck. Ollie’s mother was diagnosed with cancer, and he moved mountains to be allowed to travel and return home to Ireland and be by her side. After a brave but short battle, his mother passed away, leaving Ollie with an aching heart as he returned to Australia to continue his life and business without her.
Once back down under, Ollie’s perseverance paid off, and he finally found the Vans RV-7 of his dreams. With it, he earned his RPL license and aerobatic endorsement, fulfilling a childhood dream he had never let go of. No longer was Ollie simply watching planes from the sidelines—he was in the cockpit, performing thrilling aerobatics, living the life he had once only dreamed of as a boy.
Amidst his busy business life and aviation pursuits, Ollie met Marita, the woman who would become his partner in both life and love. Marita, a rare gem with beauty inside and out, captured Ollie’s heart. They met at the iconic Scruffy Murphys pub, and from there, their love story unfolded. Together, they make a stunning couple—working hard and playing hard, balancing their shared passion for life, adventure, and each other.
It was our privilege at Corynnia Station, a luxury outback retreat, to host Ollie and Marita. They flew in on Ollie’s striking Vans RV-7 with its red wings and black-and-white checkerboard pattern, a plane that represents not just his passion for aviation, but his determination and commitment. The couple spent a serene afternoon at the station, enjoying the pool and the lush garden oasis before gathering for drinks on the Homestead terrace. Laughter echoed into the evening, thanks to Marita’s sharp wit and infectious humor. Marita, a talented photographer, also took advantage of the breathtaking surroundings to capture the night sky through astrophotography, witnessing an awe-inspiring sunrise that painted the endless plains in magical light.
Ollie’s plane is not only a personal treasure, but it is also part of the Freedom Formation—a renowned aerobatic display team that has wowed audiences with their stunning performances at the Pacific Airshow on the Gold Coast. As part of the largest formation aerobatic display team in the Southern Hemisphere, Ollie and his fellow aviators showcase their incredible skills, thrilling crowds with their daring routines. The team consists of 16 passionate pilots from all walks of life, including retirees, former airline captains, tech professionals, and small business owners, united by a shared love of aviation and a desire to inspire others to pursue their dreams.
Ollie’s journey, from a boy watching planes at an Irish airport to becoming a successful business owner and aerobatic pilot in Australia, is nothing short of extraordinary. He is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and following one’s dreams—no matter where life leads. Together with Marita, he is building a life filled with love, adventure, and success. The sky is truly the limit for this remarkable entrepreneur, aviator, and dreamer.
