Banking and finance

McCann FitzGerald LLP

McCann FitzGerald LLP is a leader in traditional banking and finance, and has earned accolades for its expertise in newer areas such as private credit and fund finance. It has further expertise in regulatory matters, including advising alternative lenders on their entry into the Irish market and the structuring of their products. It is also at the forefront of development finance and loan portfolio transactions, and has expanded its presence in ESG and sustainable finance along with social and affordable housing transactions. Stuart McCarron heads the debt finance group, which includes prominent names Eamon de Valera and Philip Murphy . Tom Dane and Niall McDowell are key partners for development finance. Anna Moran , Aidan Gleeson and Clare Gillett have been promoted to the partnership. Niall Powderly has retired.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The banking and finance team are our go to trusted legal partner as we can always depend on their superior knowledge, prompt engagement and commercial solutions. Their advice is clear, in plain English and is delivered in a format that works with our requirements.’
‘Josh Hogan and John Boyle are both exceptional in their knowledge of regulatory considerations and the particular considerations of our organisation. They are always professional, engaging, available at short notice and solution orientated. You can have confidence that with Josh and John you will receive expert advice with successful client outcomes at the core of what they do. ’
‘Tom Dane is an excellent lawyer on complex transactions. Available, across the detail and commercial at all times.’
‘Philip Murphy - I would regard Philip as the best corporate banking lawyer in the country. He is technically peerless and brings an outstanding level of professionalism to everything he does. He is also very strong on the interpersonal side and is very adept at resolving challenging issues and driving transactions forward.'
'Éamon Ó Cuív is a key contact for us in the area of sustainable finance. He has been active in this space for longer than most and has an exceptional technical ability. He is also very personable and generous with his time and expertise. We would regard him as a very significant asset for McCanns.’
‘Eamon DeValera - a knowledgeable lawyer with a deep insight into the banking environment and our business, who consistently provides innovative solutions. Always responsive to any requests with a clear focus on solutions. Aidan Gleeson - excellent lawyer, hard working, responsive and efficient. Deep knowledge of our business, banking requirements and documents, he consistently provides prompt and professional service and solutions. ’
‘We found Stuart McCarron and his team to be first class. Exceptional client service and responsiveness with clear, concise advice and guidance.’
‘Niall McDowell is a first class lawyer. He really understands the market and his clients' commercial objectives. He adds value at every turn in a transaction. He is a deal maker and a lawyer that you want on your side in a challenging market. Simply superb. ’

Key clients

Allied Irish Banks
The Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland
Irish Residential Properties REIT and its subsidiary IRES Residential Properties
Urbeo Residential Fund ICAV
Dairygold Co-operative Society
Cardinal Capital Group
Marlet Property Group
Deutsche Bank AG – London Branch
Bain
Oaktree Capital Management
Citibank
Relm Loan Opportunities
AshGrove Capital
ATA Group
PIMCO
European Investment Bank
Ornua
HSBC
MUFG Bank
Activate
Wells Fargo Capital Finance

Work highlights

Advised Deutsche Bank on its loan facilities to Archer Hotel Capital to acquire the five-star Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin from Kennedy Wilson.
Advised a syndicate of lenders in respect of new sustainability linked revolving credit facilities for the purposes of refinancing existing debt of the Greencore group.
Advised Bank of Ireland on its investment facility to Round Hill Capital for the purpose of refinancing four existing term loan facilities secured on a portfolio of PBSA properties.