McCann FitzGerald LLP has an illustrious client base of top insurers and reinsurers, which it frequently advises on transactions, regulatory matters and disputes. It remains closely involved in business interruption claims, along with coverage disputes and insurance administration. The firm has further developed its reputation in ESG-related issues, financial sanctions, outsourcing and bulk annuity buyout transactions. Portfolio transactions are another large source of engagements for the firm. Darragh Murphy is leading figure in insurance regulatory matters and Brian Quigley stands out for his expertise in insurance disputes. Catherine Derrig is rated for healthcare disputes and professional negligence, while Helen Kilroy is a senior practitioner with an extensive record in professional negligence. Stephen Fuller is a key name for insurance transactions. The team’s partnership ranks were expanded with the promotion of Clare Gillett, Conor Cunningham and Gerard Sadlier.
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Profile
Work Department
Finance, Financial Services Regulation, Insurance, Investment Funds
Position
Darragh is a partner in the firm’s Finance Group, specialising in regulatory matters. In particular, he advises on regulatory and commercial matters relevant to financial services businesses, including insurance undertakings, investment management operations, fund promoters, banking entities and payment service providers. Darragh’s practice covers all aspects of carrying on regulated financial services and consumer credit related activities in Ireland whether in relation to the authorisation of entities in this sector, their ongoing business requirements (customer, counterparty and/or regulator facing) and/or problem resolution. Darragh advises extensively on the regulated activities of insurance and reinsurance undertakings – working on many significant corporate and regulatory driven transactions in this area. He also advises banks and other financial institutions dealing with payment services and other FinTech issues, including: SEPA payment systems, credit cards, payment instruments and e-money.
Career
Qualified 2000
Memberships
Member of the IFSC (Irish Financial Services Centre) Funds Legislative Sub-group and Chairman of Irish Fund’s Legal & Regulatory Working Group.
Education
BA (European Studies - Law) Degree, University of Limerick and Master of Laws (Banking and Finance) Degree, University of London.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Totally committed to the case. It felt like they had no other clients other than our business. Full of sound ideas.’
‘I have worked with Brendan Murphy, Catherine Derrig and McCanns on a number of projects - they are my number one on my go to list for transactional work in this space. Their responsiveness, engagement, and commercial negotiation and pragmatism is second to none. ’
‘The relevant professionals exhibit the highest standards. They have a comprehensive knowledge of the law combined with an awareness of client requirements and a very insightful and practical solution oriented approach.’
‘I have worked principally with Brian Quigley ,Catherine Derrig, Michael Coonan and a recent partner Ger Sadlier. They are excellent lawyers and display great common sense and insights. They are completely on top of their brief and communicate very well with clients. They understand client requirements and enjoy the full trust and confidence of clients.’
‘Michael Coonan is a first rate litigator. Knows all the detail and the law and translates that into good strategy. Excellent client communication and relations too. ’
‘The team has great strength in depth with unparalleled legal talent, keen industry knowledge and excellent attention to the detail. They are very diligent and strategic, but demonstrate great commercial sense and pragmatism when required. All the while, they are very pleasant individuals to work with and nothing is a problem that can't be solved collaboratively. ’
‘Exceptional partners Brian Quigley, Michael Coonan and Gerard Sadlier. These three individuals bring different but complementary skills to complex cases. They are incisive, progressive and always in good humour.'
- 'Patrick Longworth is an associate on the fast track. He is truly exceptional and service levels are superb.’
Key clients
- MetLife Europe and related companies
- Great West LifeCo/ Irish Life Assurance and related companies
- Just Retirement
- SMBC Aviation Capital
- VHI Insurance
- Greenval Insurance
- CBL Insurance Europe
- Loyola Group and Chris Kelly Group
- Allianz
- White Horse Insurance Ireland
- AIG
- Zurich
- QBE Europe
- Qover
- AWPI Assistance Ireland
- Europ Assistance
- NIB Travel Services Europe
- Chubb Insurance
- Specialist Risk Group
- AA Ireland
- Vital Blue Insurance
- The Coca-Cola Company
- Cigna
- Tokyo Marine
- Cover Genius