EY Cork has seen a strong performance across all sectors, says Ronan Murray. He talks to Sorcha Corcoran about the innovations that have helped achieve this

Located on Lapps Quay and employing more than 400 people, including 20 partners, the world-class EY Cork team is focused on helping clients to navigate complexities, unlock opportunities and shape their future with confidence.

The past 12 months have seen a really strong performance from EY Cork across all service lines — tax and law, assurance, consulting and strategy and transactions.

It has a rapidly growing footprint in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics and life sciences.

“We continue to make forwardlooking investments in areas such as AI, geopolitical strategy, cyber security, managed services and sustainability,” Ronan Murray, EY Cork office managing partner, says.

“In particular, our external audit team led by Niall Barrett and Ian Venner have experienced continued growth while delivering for our clients in the city and region and Cork-based partners Frank O’Neill and Sean Casey have been appointed as EY Ireland’s head of EY private and head of industrials and energy, respectively.”

In recent decades, the Cork region has transformed into a dynamic centre for industry, technology and innovation.

Key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, information technology and financial services have flourished, supported by pro-business policy settings and a welleducated workforce, Murray notes.

Regarding the uncertainty around the future tariffs policy of the US administration, a number of sectors closely linked to Cork — including pharmaceuticals, technology and food production — are keeping a watchful eye on developments, he adds.

“They are increasingly focused on assessing the potential impact on their investments, supply chains, data, strategy and other key areas of their business.

“In April, EY established a Geopolitical Strategy Unit to help clients navigate through these developments.”

In addition to dealing with geopolitical uncertainty, talent remains a core priority for many businesses in Cork, he adds.

According to the recent EY CFO survey, 50 per cent of the respondents said investing in new talent is a top priority for driving growth in the year ahead, while 61 per cent said developing future leaders, people management and talent retention were a top area of focus for the next two years, up from 44 per cent in 2024.

“Companies must focus on upskilling, digitalisation and strategic collaborations to position themselves for success in the face of rapid change and evolving workforce dynamics,” Murray says.

“The competition for talent and demand for specialist skills remains high across all industries.

“Thankfully we are blessed here in Cork and the southwest region with two top-tier universities — University College Cork and Munster Technological University — and access to exceptional talent.”

As immediate past-president of Cork Chamber, Murray has seen first-hand how the region has grown and developed into a world-leading destination of choice and provides a platform for indigenous private companies to develop and scale.

“Ireland is one of the world’s most competitive countries with an innovative, technology-driven, servicefocused and open trading economy, and Cork is regarded as a hub for inward investment and indigenous entrepreneurism,” he says.

“Our flagship EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme celebrates the best of indigenous Irish businesses, both here in Cork and nationally, and we’re lucky enough to get the opportunity to acclaim these trailblazing entrepreneurs who are leading the way in terms of innovation and transformation.

“Five of the top 10 Fortune 500 companies have a presence here, which is testament to the value that this region brings. Both IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland have played a pivotal role in fostering growth stories for the region.

“I think Cork will continue to be a beacon of light for inward investment and employment.”

In 2024, IDA Ireland reported 234 investments nationally, which will lead to the creation of 13,500 jobs over the next few years.

Ten of the 36 key announcements in 2024 listed by IDA Ireland related to companies with Cork bases.

In this thriving environment, EY Cork is well-positioned to assist businesses in navigating both opportunities and complexities, Murray says.

“EY Ireland continues to be the largest and fastest-growing professional services firm – both on the island of Ireland and in the Cork region.

“This is testament to our EY Leadership team led by Frank O’Keeffe, managing partner, and our fantastic, local, Cork-based partner group who continue to work with our client base and shape their future with confidence.

“Regardless of the location, at EY we have a focus on making longterm investments in our people and technology to ensure we are always there for our clients when they need us.

“This is driven by our ethos of listening, anticipating and responding to our clients’ needs to ensure we consistently deliver market-leading client service.”

Photo: Ronan Murray, EY Cork office managing partner