Carson McDowell Strengthens Leading Irish Healthcare Team with New Partner Appointment

Carson McDowell is pleased to announce the continued expansion of its market-leading Healthcare team in Ireland with the appointment of Deirdre Ryan as Partner. Deirdre joins Carson McDowell from a leading healthcare defence firm in Cork and brings extensive experience acting for state bodies, public hospitals, and private healthcare providers in complex and high-value healthcare litigation actions before the Irish Courts. She is also an experienced advocate acting on behalf of healthcare clients and clinicians before the Coroner’s Court.

Since establishing its Dublin office in 2016, Carson McDowell has steadily grown its footprint in the region. The appointments of Sinéad Keavey as Partner and Head of the Dublin Office in 2020 and Partner Kathleen Byrne in 2022 have been instrumental in building a team now comprising over 30 professionals. Deirdre joins a leadership group that includes Roger McMillan, Managing Partner and Head of Healthcare; Jacqueline McAleese, Partner and Head of Clinical Claims (NI and Ireland); Leigh Linton, Partner and Head of Regulatory and Professional Discipline (NI and Ireland); and Francesca Lowry, Partner and Head of Dental Claims (NI and Ireland).

Commenting on the appointment, Sinéad said, “I am delighted to welcome Deirdre to our team. She brings a wealth of knowledge, technical expertise and experience to the table and I am looking forward to working closely with her as we develop and enhance our client offering. Deirdre’s contribution to the leadership of the Dublin team will be a considerable asset to our solicitors.”

Jacqueline McAleese, Head of Clinical Claims (NI and Ireland) added, "We are pleased to expand our unrivalled all-island healthcare team with the appointment of a new partner. Deirdre's experience will reinforce our position as the preferred legal advisor for the healthcare sector.”

Carson McDowell's Healthcare team is the leading provider of legal defence and regulatory services to the healthcare sector across the island of Ireland. With a dedicated team of experts, the firm offers comprehensive legal support to a wide range of clients, including doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, and opticians. The team also works closely with private clinics, health and social care providers, medical defence organisations, medical malpractice insurers, and residential and domiciliary care homes.

Deirdre commented: “I have been extremely impressed by the enthusiastic and innovative healthcare team at Carson McDowell. They possess a deep understanding of the healthcare landscape in Ireland and have built a well-deserved reputation. I am delighted to be working with the team in Dublin and the wider healthcare team across the island of Ireland.”

The team and its members are recognised in both The Legal 500 EMEA 2025 legal guide for Healthcare & Life Sciences and Chambers and Partners Europe Guide 2025: Dispute Resolution: Healthcare Litigation. Feedback includes that "The lawyers on the healthcare litigation team are hardworking, diligent and approachable. The team is very proactive in managing claims and is open to 'think outside the box' solutions to assist in resolving complex issues that arise in these types of case".

With offices in Belfast and Dublin, and solicitors working from Cork and Limerick, Carson McDowell offers exceptional legal and business services to clients nationwide.

Pictured left to right: Sinéad Keavey, Deirdre Ryan & Roger McMillan, Managing Partner.