The "Jobless Paddy"who spent his savings on an advertising board begging for a job to save him from emigration has been employed by Paddy Power.

Féilim Mac An Iomaire became famous in the last few weeks after spending his life savings of €2,000 (£1,770) to rent a billboard site asking for help. The ad on Dublin's busy Merrion Road stating that he did not want to emigrate to look for work and resulted in 20 interviews and several offers of employment. He turned to the unique idea after unsuccessfully applying for more than 100 jobs.

The 26-year old “Jobless Paddy” has now accepted a job with Paddy Power and said: "Working with Paddy and his team is something I could only have dreamt of before, but now I'm actually here, it's real. The last month has been the most chaotic of my life, so now I'm really just looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting stuck into my new job."

Ken Robertson, a spokesperson for Paddy Power, commented: "In my mind Féilim is a true rock star. I'm so happy he decided to come and work for Paddy Power. I have no doubt his energy, creativity and never-say-die attitude will be a massive plus to the brand."

It is reported that around 50,000 will emigrate this year to search for work. Unemployment in Ireland is at more than 450,000.