By Business & Finance 
Pictured: Maedhbh Clancy, Partner & Head of Knowledge at McCann FitzGerald LLP
This week sees new and notable appointments at McCann FitzGerald LLP, RGFI, Spark Foundry, Irish Writers Centre, and Takeda Ireland.
By Rye Baker
Maedhbh Clancy, Partner & Head of Knowledge
McCann FitzGerald LLP
McCann FitzGerald LLP has appointed Maedhbh Clancy as Partner, Head of Knowledge, effective 1 September 2025.
The move marks a return to the firm for Clancy, who trained and practised at its headquarters for several years following her qualification. She brings extensive expertise in legal knowledge management and most recently served as Of Counsel at another law firm in Dublin.
Clancy’s appointment comes as the firm’s Knowledge team continues to play an increasingly vital role in the firm’s delivery of timely and tailored sectoral and legal information and advice. The Knowledge team at McCann FitzGerald is growing to ensure that the firm’s lawyers have the right insights and tools to deliver strategic, commercially-focused and forward-looking advice, and to ensure that the firm’s clients have the valuable insights and tools they need to best support and grow their businesses.
Lisa Smyth, Partner at McCann FitzGerald LLP, said: “Knowledge and innovation are central to how we deliver exceptional client service. In welcoming Maedhbh back to the firm, we are adding another experienced leader to our team. Her deep understanding of the firm’s culture, combined with her strategic expertise, will be instrumental as we expand our Knowledge team and continue to evolve our approach in a rapidly changing legal landscape.”
Clancy, incoming Partner, Head of Knowledge at McCann FitzGerald LLP, added: “I’m delighted to be rejoining McCann FitzGerald at such an exciting time for both the firm and the wider legal industry. The Knowledge team plays a vital role in driving legal excellence, and demand for knowledge-related capabilities continues to grow as clients face increasing regulatory and commercial challenges. The strength of our Knowledge team is reflected in the quality and relevance of the advice our lawyers provide. I look forward to growing the team and driving further innovation in how we support our clients.”
Various appointments, Board of Directors
RGFI
The Renewable Gas Forum Ireland (RGFI) has announced a new Board of Directors to lead the organisation into its next phase of growth.
With expertise spanning the dairy, on and off-grid energy sectors, as well as certification, sustainability, and innovation, the new leadership team reflects the full biomethane and renewable gas value chain.
Sean Campbell, Natural Resources Business Manager, SGS Ireland, was elected Chair of the Board. SGS is a global leader in standard certification and compliance, and Campbell brings a strong track record in environmental governance, verification, and sustainability assurance to the position.
Dr Anne Marie Henihan, Centre Director of the Dairy Processing Technology Centre (DPTC), was elected Vice Chair. The DPTC is an industry–academic collaboration focused on innovation and sustainability in dairy processing. Dr Henihan brings deep expertise in applied research, sector decarbonisation, and stakeholder engagement across one of Ireland’s most important indigenous industries.
The other new Board members are: Julian Beatty, Managing Director, NovaQ; Padraig Fleming, Biomethane Programme Manager, Gas Networks Ireland; Aoife Grant, Head of Commercial Strategy, Flogas; Catherine Hannon, Head of Public Affairs and Sustainability, Calor Ireland; Paul Murphy, MD, Climeaction; and PJ McCarthy, CEO, RGFI (Executive Director).
The appointment of a new Board marks a pivotal moment for RGFI and its members – as the focus shifts from shaping policy to accelerating delivery on the ground.
Gemma Gilmore, Director of Growth Strategy and Client Partnership
Spark Foundry
Spark Foundry is excited to announce the appointment of Gemma Gilmore as Spark Foundry’s new Director of Growth Strategy and Client Partnership.
This is a newly created senior leadership role, reflecting Spark Foundry, part of core’s commitment to deepening partnerships and driving meaningful growth for our clients. Gilmore will focus on ensuring clients have access to the full breadth of expertise across Spark Foundry and Core, acting as a true partner to help them unlock new opportunities.
Gilmore is exceptionally well placed to lead this next chapter. She has been instrumental in shaping some of Spark’s most important client partnerships and growth journeys. Those who have worked with her will know her for her commercial focus, collaborative approach and ability to build trusted, lasting relationships.
Her appointment marks an exciting step forward for Spark Foundry, as we continue to evolve to meet the ambitions of the clients we work with.
Various Appointments, Board of Directors
Irish Writers Centre
The Irish Writers Centre proudly welcomes seven new members to its Board of Directors, each bringing a unique blend of creativity, leadership, business acumen and legal insight to the organisation. These appointments come at an energising time for the Irish Writers Centre as it enters a next chapter under new CEO Mags McLoughlin, who joined the organisation last year.
Patrick Barrett is a practising barrister with a strong focus on governance, regulatory compliance, and public service. A graduate of King’s Inns and University College Cork, Barrett has a broad legal practice and volunteers with FLAC. He has authored a number of legal publications and brings sharp analytical insight and legal clarity to board-level decision-making.
Helen Connealy is a seasoned CEO who has led numerous not-for-profit organisations through transformational change. Currently completing a Masters in Creative Writing at the Seamus Heaney Centre at Queen’s University Belfast, she is also a leadership coach and accredited Strengths Profiler. Connealy is passionate about literature, philanthropy and creating social impact.
Dr Gráinne Daly is a creative writing scholar and published writer, with a PhD in Creative Writing. She offers an academic and literary perspective, with particular expertise in sport in literature, as well as experience of teaching at university level. She is a recipient of the Maeve Binchy Travel Award.
Maria Dickenson has dedicated her 30-year career to the Irish book trade. Most recently Managing Director of Dubray and previously headed up book buying at Eason, Dickenson brings exceptional industry knowledge and a strong network. She serves on the board of the Irish Book Awards and has held several senior voluntary positions with the Booksellers Association of UK and Ireland.
Anne Fleck-Byrne is a Chartered Director with over 30 years’ senior leadership experience across healthcare, aviation and the voluntary sector. A former Managing Director and co-founder of Drakelands Nursing Home Ltd, Fleck-Byrne has served in multiple non-executive roles, including on the board of Nursing Homes Ireland. An active supporter of the arts, she contributes to literary and film festivals and champions emerging talent through fundraising initiatives.
Brendan McDonald is Vice President of Engineering & Green Economy with IDA Ireland, based in Paris. With a legal background and extensive experience in foreign direct investment and regional development, McDonald brings an international perspective and strategic vision to the Centre. He is also the author of four children’s titles and is currently writing a novel for adults.
Brian McEnery is Managing Partner at BDO Ireland, with leadership experience in corporate finance, restructuring, and healthcare. In addition, he has also held a number of key positions including Worldwide President of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chair of HIQA and Board Member & Chair of the Audit Committee of NAMA.
Deirdre Connaughton, Head of Takeda Bray
Takeda Ireland
Takeda Ireland has appointed Deirdre Connaughton as the new site lead in her role as Head of Takeda Bray.
In her new role, Connaughton will be responsible for the day-to-day management and operations at Takeda Bray, while delivering on the competitive direction and strategy of the site.
With over 18 years tenure with Takeda Ireland, Connaughton takes on the role following seven years as Head of Business Excellence with Takeda Bray. Here she was a member of the Site Leadership Team, leading the Business Excellence function, comprised of Strategy, OpEx, Program Management Office (PMO) and Technical Learning. Prior to this, Connaughton held the role of Operations Manager – Packaging at Takeda Bray, Compliance Manager and Project Manager, as well as Validation Engineer. Throughout these roles, Connaughton has further strengthened her understanding of the operations and requirements of the Takeda Bray site.
Commenting on her appointment, Deirdre Connaughton, Head of Takeda Bray said: “I’m excited to take on the role as Head of Takeda Bray. Having worked with Takeda for over 18 years, I’m proud of what the Bray site has accomplished in its nearly 30-year tenure. I’m a firm believer that a successful site like ours, is a product of the team, so I will continue to ensure Takeda is a place where career aspirations are met, alongside developing lifesaving treatments for oncology and gastroenterology patients.”
