dmg media Ireland has selected 40 brilliant young minds in the accountancy industry as part of the 40 Under 40 series

Abbas Abidi – director, assurance, EY

Abbas Abidi is a director in EY Ireland’s assurance practice with over 17 years of experience.

Starting as a trainee in Pakistan, Abbas has built an impressive career across four countries (including Saudi Arabia and the UAE), gaining hands-on experience in diverse markets and industries.​

His expertise spans large family-owned businesses, renewable energy, oil and gas, and construction, with a strong track record in Ireland, the UK, and the wider European market.

Abidi excels in leading complex audits and advising clients through industry-specific challenges, bringing a sharp understanding of sector dynamics and regulatory frameworks.​

Abidi embraces a collaborative leadership style, supporting his team's development through open communication and constructive feedback.

Building strong, lasting relationships is central to his approach, aligning his team's work with clients' goals and delivering tailored, effective solutions.​

Outside of client work, Abidi is a committed mentor and coach to early-career professionals. He is passionate about helping the next generation of auditors and consultants grow with confidence and purpose.

Abidi is a Fellow of the ACCA and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Karachi.

• Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with family and love to watch sports, especially cricket. I also love travelling and exploring the beauty of nature.
• Best piece of advice you've ever received: When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Embrace challenges as opportunities to showcase your strength.
• Why you love your job: My role lets me make a real impact every day. No two days are the same, which keeps things interesting and the challenges push me to keep growing.
• Motto for life: "Strive for progress, not perfection."

Gavin Fitzpatrick - audit partner, Grant Thornton

Gavin Fitzpatrick is an audit partner who leads the global statutory audit practice at Grant Thornton Ireland. 

Recognised as a skilled and technically competent auditor, Fitzpatrick works with global multinational organisations to ensure compliance with their statutory obligations across many jurisdictions. 

Fitzpatrick and the global statutory audit team design audit processes which deploy central procedures to global processes and use proprietary Grant Thornton AI-enhanced audit analytics tools to streamline the audit process for the benefit of their clients. 

Fitzpatrick has led the growth of the global statutory audit practice, which now employs almost 100 people, exclusively serving multinational clients, with client engagements covering more than 80 countries served through Grant Thornton’s central solution. 

Fitzpatrick joined Grant Thornton in 2014 and was appointed Partner in the FAAS business unit in January 2022. He spent two years based in the US, operating from the Bay Area, where he worked as a relationship director for a number of multinational clients. 

Fitzpatrick is a member of Chartered Accountants Ireland’s financial reporting technical committee.

• Hobbies: I enjoy running, particularly if it involves mountain trails, and take a keen interest in many sports. More than anything, I enjoy taking the time to watch my two boys participate in sports.  
• Best piece of advice you've ever received: Never shy away from honest self-appraisal.
• Why you love your job: The entrepreneurial culture at Grant Thornton has given me room to grow personally and professionally. Everyday I have the privilege of collaborating with hard working, talented professionals who support each other and our clients.
• Motto for life: "We’re here for a good time, not a long time."

Aisling Kelleher - director, assurance, EY 

Aisling Kelleher is a director in EY Ireland’s assurance practice based in Cork, with over 10 years’ experience advising clients across Ireland, the UK and Europe.

Since joining EY as a graduate, she has built a successful career through a combination of technical excellence, client focus and inclusive leadership.​ 

Kelleher works across a broad range of sectors including technology, manufacturing, and consumer products, serving publicly listed companies, large private groups, indigenous Irish firms and high-growth start-ups.

Her ability to navigate complex reporting environments and build trusted relationships has made her a key adviser to many clients.​ 

She is also a passionate advocate for developing people and creating inclusive teams. Kelleher actively contributes to EY’s coaching programmes, plays a leading role in the firm’s Women in Leadership initiatives, and was recognised as a “Supporting Superstar” in EY Ireland’s national practice.​ 

Kelleher is a Chartered Accountant with Chartered Accountants Ireland and is known for her composed leadership style, collaborative mindset, and dedication to supporting and mentoring junior colleagues. She is also deeply involved in EY’s recruitment efforts, helping to attract and grow top talent.​ 

Her leadership is grounded in curiosity, empowerment, and purpose, reflecting EY’s values and creating an environment where people and ideas thrive. 

• Hobbies: I'm an active member of Douglas GAA football club and believe in maintaining a healthy work-life balance through community involvement and competitive sport. I also love to travel and enjoy experiencing new cultures. Passionate about fashion, I’ve volunteered at fashion shows, helping style models and contributing to the creative process. 
• Best piece of advice you've ever received: “You can train for skill, not attitude.” A mentor told me this early in my career, and it shifted the way I focused on advancing my career.
• Why you love your job: Because no two days are the same, and each person's career journey is unique, shaped by their individual skills and diverse client experiences.
• Motto for life: “Grow through learning, lead by example."

Sarah Nugent – director, assurance, EY 

Sarah Nugent is a director in EY Ireland’s assurance practice, bringing over a decade of experience in delivering high-quality audit services to some of the country’s most prominent businesses.

A graduate of University College Dublin, Nugent holds a degree in Business and Law and joined EY directly from university.

She completed her training contract with Chartered Accountants Ireland in 2018 and, through consistent performance, leadership and genuine passion for the profession, progressed to director within just five years.​ 

Nugent’s portfolio includes Irish-listed groups and large privately held companies, with audit experience spanning a range of sectors but most specifically retail, manufacturing, and energy.

Her technical expertise and commercial insight have made her a trusted advisor to clients navigating complex regulatory and operational environments.​ 

Beyond client work, Nugent is a passionate advocate for EY’s people agenda. She serves as the people lead within assurance, supporting the development and wellbeing of over 100 professionals.

Her leadership in this space reflects her commitment to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing culture. 

• Hobbies: Outside of work, I like to stay active with gym sessions, spin classes, and long walks - especially when the weather plays along! I’m also a big fan of winding down with a good book, there’s nothing better than getting lost in a great story to relax and recharge. 
• Best piece of advice you've ever received: “Treat every challenge as a chance to learn.” This mindset has shaped how I approach both my career and personal growth by encouraging me to stay positive, embrace new experiences, and see setbacks as opportunities to build resilience and insight 
• Why you love your job: My role at EY gives me the chance to work closely with a wide range of people and businesses, helping them grow and succeed. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is supporting others in their careers through mentoring, encouraging, and creating an environment where people feel valued and can thrive. 
• Motto for life: “Stay curious, stay kind, and keep moving forward.”

Tomás O'Leary - director, Baker Tilly Ireland

Tomás O'Leary is currently a director in Baker Tilly's Cork office and has extensive experience in auditing large international groups and subsidiaries of parent entities.

O'Leary also provides comprehensive audit and advisory services to a diverse range of SMEs and growth-oriented businesses. Additionally, he possesses significant expertise in the charity and not-for-profit sector.

O'Leary is dedicated to helping clients add value to their businesses across various sectors, supporting their expansion from compliance and regulatory perspectives.

He is also committed to devising efficient tax strategies and ensuring clients meet their compliance obligations with all statutory authorities.

Through a proactive approach, O'Leary assists and advises clients on their overall financial needs, supporting their current operations and future development.

Since the Baker Tilly merger last year, O'Leary has thrown himself into the opportunities the firm has presented him, and most recently has become part of the pharma and life sciences team to drive that forward, as well as the BD team for Cork. 

O'Leary is incredibly pro-active, considered and insightful with a very hands on approach.

• Hobbies Following Cork GAA, Munster and Ireland in rugby teams, and coaching underage teams in my local GAA/LGFA clubs. I love spending time with my family and try to remain active myself by going to the gym, and I also love the odd DIY project at home!
• Best piece of advice you've ever received “You have two ears, one mouth and you should use them in that proportion”.
• Why you love your job From growing up in a family business, I have always enjoyed interacting with people and listening to issues which they have experienced. My role continues to deal with people, develop business relationships with them and remain a point of contact where they can reply on me to provide advice. Being in a position to do this and solve their problems provides me with the most satisfaction.
• Motto for life “Life has no limitations; except the ones you make”.