McCann FitzGerald LLP delivers extensive regulatory advice to market participants, helping clients navigate the scope of regulation and determine when specific activities, products, or client relationships may trigger licensing obligations. The team is led by Stuart McCarron, who advises both borrowers and lenders on a broad range of financing matters, including acquisition and mezzanine financing, property finance, and syndicated lending issues. Philip Murphy has a strong focus on asset-based lending, sustainable finance, and cashflow lending work, as well as development finance matters. Eamon de Valera specialises in cross-border finance work, regularly acting for international clients on high-value transactions with an Irish dimension. Niall McDowell is also a key name, advising banks, non-bank lenders, sponsors and borrowers on secured and unsecured financing, with particular strength in real estate and development funding mandates.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team are practical in their approach, showing commerciality in their negotiation of points without getting bogged down in points the client doesn't feel strongly about.’
- ‘Collaborative approach - the advice and opinion received is executed in a manner that is more an extension of the team rather than service provision.’
- ‘Darragh Murphy - our go-to on FS regulatory work. A pleasure to work with - very responsive and knowledgeable.'
- ‘A very user-friendly team that gives clear and pragmatic regulatory advice. They know the black letter law, but also have a clear commercial perspective as to how regulators and market participants apply that in practice. They are also very responsive.’
- ‘Knowledge of the sector and willingness to advise and make a decision.’
- ‘Strong partners who are responsive.’
- ‘Lead partner, Niall McDowell, is very strong and we would regard him highly. Capable of leading difficult conversations and understands key matters well.’
- Eamon DeValera - A client-focused, solutions-driven commercial lawyer with a deep knowledge of the banking market and of our business, who is always available. We value Eamon's insight, commercial awareness, and sage advice, particularly when transactions are challenging. Aidan Gleeson - A hardworking, knowledgeable lawyer with an impressive ability to manage and complete complex transactions. Commercially aware, always works with and for the client to achieve the optimal outcome. Clear focus on the key issues and delivers a first-class service.
- Top-tier firm, best in class in the Irish market.
- Tom Dane and Philip Murphy stand out as top-class lawyers providing top-tier advice.
Key clients
- Bank of Ireland Group p.l.c.
- Allied Irish Banks p.l.c.
- Activate Capital Limited
- Deutsche Bank
- Kerry Co-Operative Creameries Limited
- Hammerson Group Management Limited
- Irish Residential Properties REIT plc (I-RES)
- Emergent BioSolutions Ireland Limited
- Lioncor
- AXA
- Global Student Accommodation Group
- JPMorgan
- Wells Fargo
Work highlights
Advised the Marlet Property Group on the €238m College Square financing.
Advised Kerry Co-operative Creameries on a bespoke financing related to its acquisition of Kerry Dairy Ingredients from Kerry Group plc, a deal of approximately €250m in value.
Advised AIB and EBS on their SEPA Instant Programme, in advance of the October 2025 deadline for the implementation of legal, regulatory and operational requirements relating to both outgoing instant credit transfers and verification of payee.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Stuart McCarron
Other key lawyers
Eamon de Valera; Philip Murphy; Niall McDowell; Darragh Murphy; Tom Dane