New Financial Services Sector Partners

Ireland continues to be a global hub for financial services and the need for expert, market-leading legal advice is ever increasing. To meet this demand, we are pleased to announce the promotion of four new partners in Mason Hayes & Curran; Cathy Grant, Sarah Cloonan, Muireann Hernon and James Morrin.

Our new partners cover a diverse range of practice areas demonstrating the breadth of our expertise across financial regulation, commercial disputes, equity and project finance.

Commenting on the promotions Neil Campbell, Head of our Financial Services Sector team said, “The Mason Hayes & Curran financial services sector team is a dominant force in Ireland and the promotions underscore our commitment and standing in the industry.”

Sarah Cloonan said, “The evolution of my career in Mason Hayes & Curran, from associate to partner, has been hugely enjoyable. I am grateful to all my clients in the Financial Regulation and Fintech spheres for their ongoing support.”

Cathy Grant added, “I look forward to continuing my work with international clients and supporting them on multi-jurisdictional debt financing transactions.”

Muireann Hernon commented, “Advising clients across a variety of complex project finance mandates is extremely rewarding and I welcome the opportunity to continue this important work.”

James Morrin said, “Resolving disputes for clients in the financial services sector and ensuring the optimal outcome is core to my practice both now and in the future.”

Cathy Grant

Cathy is a Partner in our Financial Services team. She acts for private equity sponsors, corporate borrowers and financial institutions on a range of multi-jurisdictional debt financing transactions.

She has particular expertise in acquisition finance and leveraged buy-outs and acquisitions. Cathy has represented a number of major private equity sponsors on their financing of multi-jurisdictional leveraged buyouts with an Irish nexus.

Cathy spent three years with Kirkland & Ellis in London.

Recently, she advised a global private equity firm on the financing aspects of their acquisition of a global data protection provider.

Sarah Cloonan

Sarah is a Partner in our Financial Regulatory and Financial Services team. She advises a wide range of clients on licensing and regulatory issues, particularly those looking to operate in Ireland for the first time.

She provides clients with tailored advice on a host of issues dictated by the Central Bank. Over the last number of years, she has developed unique expertise in fintech and works with some of the leading companies in this sector.

Recently, Sarah advised one the biggest Fintechs in the world on a range of issues including new product launches, regulatory and AML compliance and Central Bank guidance.

Muireann Hernon

Muireann is a partner in our Financial Services and Energy team. She advises Irish and international financial institutions, borrowers and investors on a range of domestic and cross-border transactions.

She has extensive experience in advising clients on commercial real estate finance, acquisition finance and project finance transactions. She has a particular emphasis on the renewable energy and healthcare sectors and is recognised as an exceptional talent in the market.

Recently, Muireann advised Société Générale on the financing of the construction, development and operation of a portfolio of solar farms in Ireland. One of the projects that is part of this portfolio became the first ground mounted solar farm energised in Ireland.

James Morrin

James is a Partner on our Dispute Resolution team. He advises on all aspects of commercial dispute resolution and has a particular focus on insolvency law.

He regularly acts for insolvency practitioners, companies and creditors on solvency issues and in formal insolvency processes, providing strategic and commercially orientated advice.

James is also experienced in high value, complex, and multi-jurisdictional commercial litigation arising from shareholder disputes, professional negligence and civil fraud.

James recently advised the shareholders of a major Irish based aircraft lessor on potential cross border restructuring options.