Our People

In the end, any business is only as good as the people involved in it. We take pride in the calibre of people that work for us and their dedication to our clients.

We view professional training and education as an ongoing process, necessary to meet the day to day legislative and commercial challenges that face both our clients and ourselves.

Effective consultation and communication with staff are just two of the reasons for a high degree of staff continuity which benefits our clients.

Individual partners are responsible for their own client portfolios, ensuring personal and individual attention at all times. A partner usually manages his clients’ requirements, although he draws upon the specialist knowledge of other partners when necessary. This ensures clients receive prompt response from a partner who is not remote but thoroughly conversant with their business.

Our clients are served by people who really enjoy what they do. They do what they say they are going to do when they say they are going to do it. It cannot be any simpler than that.

>> THE PRINCIPALS

SEAMUS PARFREY B.Comm., H.D.E., F.C.A.

Partner

Having obtained a B.Comm. degree from University College Cork I qualified in 1979 as a Chartered Accountant having trained in PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Cork. I set up practice in 1980 and was admitted in 1985 as a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland. I am a Registered Auditor and specialise in forensic accounting and business advisory services. My client base tends towards the self-employed and family businesses who benefit from my business improvement skills.

I served on the Practice Review Committee of Chartered Accountants Ireland and the Cork Society of Chartered Accountants Committee.

I am born and bred in Cork and am overly proud of it! A sporting enthusiast, I also have a keen interest in reading, art, music and my children Patrick, Fiona, Jennifer and David. I served as Assistant Treasurer and President of the Irish Rugby Football Union Munster Branch 1990/91. I was also Treasurer of the Irish Universities Rugby Union in the amateur days.

Like: When Cork and Irish sportstars and teams win

Dislike: Bad manners and a mawkish pint.

Find Seamus on Linkedin.

NOEL MURPHY B.Comm., F.C.A.

Partner

I obtained a B.Comm degree from University College Cork and qualified as a Chartered Accountant having trained with PricewaterhouseCoopers, Cork. I obtained third place in Ireland in my final qualifying examination with Chartered Accountants Ireland. In 1984 I entered into partnership with Seamus to form the firm Parfrey Murphy. I have considerable expertise in auditing and corporate finance and in finding solutions for companies and individuals in financial difficulty. I also have a keen interest in finding taxation solutions for companies and high net worth individuals. I am the partner in the firm who deals with company liquidations.

I have served on specialist subcommittees of Chartered Accountants Ireland and held the position of Treasurer of Cork Chamber of Commerce from 2000 to 2009. I have also acted as a director of a number of private companies.

I have a keen interest in music and all sports. I am actively involved in Gaelic Games with my local club Ballinora and have been fortunate enough to represent Cork in Gaelic football at a number of levels including senior. My family are steeped in the Gaelic Athletic Association as my late father Con Murphy was a former President of the GAA.

Like: Gaelic games

Dislike: Cucumber

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ORLA LINEHAN B.Sc. (Acc.)., A.C.A.

Partner

I joined Parfrey Murphy in 1996 having graduated that year from University College Cork with a first class honours degree in Accounting. I qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2000. I am a former President and Treasurer of the Cork branch of Network Cork. I specialise in accounting and payroll outsourcing services.

I always strive to provide the best service to our clients at all times. My mantra is excellence always delivered.

Like: Gadgets, especially my trusty iPhone

Dislike: The first day back after holidays 

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>> STAFF

KIERAN KENNELLY B.C.L., H.Dip. A.I.S., A.I.T.I., B.L.

Tax Director

I graduated from University College Cork with a BCL Degree in 1995 and a Higher Diploma in Accounting Information Systems in 1996. I also qualified as a barrister from Kings Inns in 2003 and am an associate member of the Irish Taxation Institute. I manage our Tax Department, having joined the firm in 2005 from Ernst and Young where I was employed since 1998. I have been involved both in Cork and Dublin in providing tax planning advice and compliance services for leading local, national and multinationals clients as a Registered Tax Consultant.

My interests include reading and following Manchester United.

Like: Cinema

Dislike: Reality TV

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MARY BLYTH F.C.A.

Business Adviser

I joined Parfrey Murphy in 1989 and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1994. I am a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland and specialise in auditing and providing business advisory services. Having spent 6 years working in corporate finance in the banking and energy industries in the UK I rejoined the firm as a manager in 2003.

My client portfolio includes most business sectors from owner managed businesses to medium sized private companies. I specialise in providing value added services to clients that will improve their businesses and I do it with a smile.

I was appointed to the Board of Cork Chamber in July 2009 as the Honorary Treasurer and was an active member of the Chamber’s Management and Audit & Risk Committees.

I am trying to balance a busy home life with my career.

Like: First cup of Barrys tea in the morning

Dislike: Parallel parking

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KEVIN NYHAN A.C.A.

Audit Manager

I started with Parfrey Murphy as a trainee accountant in 2001 and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2006. I have extensive experience in the preparation and audit of accounts for small and medium sized companies. I am the firm’s audit manager, overseeing the delivery of audit services as well as assisting clients with the design and implementation of internal controls and accounting systems.

I am interested in music, reading and sport in general, but particularly motor sport and rugby.

Like: Sky +

Dislike: Bad drivers

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LISA MANNING B.B.S., A.C.A.

Accounts Manager

I joined Parfrey Murphy in 2004 having graduated from Cork Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Business in Accounting. I qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2008. In my role as Accounts Manager, I deal with limited company audits and the preparation of Financial Statements for sole traders/partnerships as well as dealing with clients on a day to day basis.

My interests lie in music, film and walking.

Like: Thursdays

Dislike: Fish

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UNA BEECHER L.L.B., A.I.T.I. Pensions Diploma holder of LIA

Tax Compliance Manager

I joined Parfrey Murphy in 2002 and am an associate member of the Institute of Taxation of Ireland. I also hold an LLB Law Degree, Pensions Diploma and a Diploma in Trust & Estate Planning. I deal with all areas of income tax and corporation tax compliance as a Registered Tax Consultant. I specialise in meeting all tax deadlines and reducing clients’ end of year tax liabilities.

My outside interests include reading, music and sport.

Like: Weekends

Dislike: Mice

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MARIA FAHY B.A. Bus., GRAD ISCA

Company Secretary and New Client Liaison Manager.

I graduated from Waterford Institute of Technology with a B.A. degree in Business and General Administration in 2001. I am also a graduate of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators. I manage the Company Secretarial Department having joined the firm in 2006 from Pricewaterhouse Coopers where I was employed since 2001.

I am the firm’s New Client Liaison Manager which ensures that they are 100% satisfied at all times.

I love reading and sports especially following Manchester United.

Like: GAA

Dislike: Cricket

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COLETTE THOMAS C.P.A.

Accounts Manager

I joined the firm in 2009 from Deloitte & Touche where I worked as an Assistant Manager in the SME department for almost three years. I qualified as an Accounting Technician with Accounting Technicians Ireland and later as a Certified Public Accountant in 2006 having attained First Place in Ireland in the Advanced Taxation examination. My area of expertise is dealing with sole traders and small, audit exempt companies who do not need to employ a qualified accountant but who require advice and assistance in maintaining their books and records.

I am a music lover and an active member and treasurer of my local Folk Group.

Like: Cats and interior design

Dislike: Bad grammar

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BRENDAN MURPHY B.Comm.

Office Manager

I work closely with the partners in the administration of the practice and am also involved in client work. I specialise in providing payroll services and manage the Payroll Department.

My interests lie in film, books and sport, especially GAA. My involvement in a variety of sports earned me the Sports Person of the Year award in University College Cork many years ago. I have been heavily  involved in the G.A.A. especially with youth development at Bishopstown GAA Club.

Like: A photograph that catches the moment – but not of me!

Dislike: Slow drivers in fast lanes

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PATRICK DOHERTY

Payroll Administrator

I started with Parfrey Murphy in 2006 as Payroll Officer to operate the Payroll Department. I have over 30 years payroll experience in Ireland and the U.K. from my previous employment with a large payroll agency.

My interests lie in film, music, travel and sport.

Like: Food

Dislike: Waiting around

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LORRAINE BARRY B.Comm. A.C.A.

Assistant Manager

I joined the firm in 2006 as a trainee Chartered Accountant having graduated from University College Cork with a first class honours degree in Commerce. I subsequently qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2009. I have extensive experience specifically in dealing with outsourcing clients. This allows them to concentrate on the performance of their business.

I am keenly interested in reading and travel.

Like: Chocolate

Dislike: Rainy days

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KAREN O’CONNOR I.A.T.I., M.I.A.T.I., A.I.P.A.

Senior Accountant

I am currently studying for a Bachelors degree in Accounting at Cork Institute of Technology having qualified as an Accounting Technician with Accounting Technicians Ireland. I am a key member of the financial outsourcing team since 2008 and manage the accounts for our largest clients with very tight monthly international reporting deadlines.

I am a keen reader and also like to travel.

Like: The sun

Dislike: Indian food

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SINEAD HERLIHY B.B.S., A.I.T.I.

Registered Tax Consultant

I graduated in 2007 from the University of Limerick with a degree in Business Studies. I joined Parfrey Murphy as a tax trainee in 2007 and graduated as an associate member of the Irish Taxation Institute in 2009.

I am a music and sports lover.

Like: Shopping

Dislike: Pigeons

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CLAIRE HANLEY

Office Administrator

I have been working as receptionist/secretary with Parfrey Murphy since 2000. I have an excellent working relationship with clients, partners and staff.

I am an outgoing, caring and friendly person. I like listening to music, going to concerts, reading romantic novels and sports biographies. I am currently on the committee for Mitchelstown Badminton Club and Galtee Runners Athletics Club. I have completed 3 mini marathons and a relay marathon in Cork. I am a supporter of Munster Rugby, Ireland Rugby and Limerick GAA. I have previously been a member of Ballylanders Macra na Feirme.

Like: Shopping

Dislike: Bacon and cabbage

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FIONA NEVILLE B.Sc. (Acc.).

Trainee Chartered Accountant

I graduated from University College Cork with an honours degree in Accounting in 2008 and began my training with Parfrey Murphy at the same time. My work involves preparation of accounts for individuals and companies and I also assist in providing regular outsourcing work.

I am President of the Parfrey Murphy Social Committee and also the firm’s representative on the Cork Chartered Accounting Student Society.

When not working, I enjoy travelling and am enthusiastic in my support of local sporting teams, particularly rugby and GAA.

Like: Restaurants

Dislike: Studying at night

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NIAMH MOLAN B.Sc. (Acc.)

Trainee Chartered Accountant

I graduated from University College Cork in 2009 having achieved an honours degree in Accounting. I joined Parfrey Murphy in the same year to pursue a career in the accounting profession and am currently a trainee within the firm with the intention of qualifying as a Chartered Accountant.

My main interests lie in sport and music.

Like: Pizza

Dislike: Traffic

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CATHY DALTON B.Comm.

Trainee Chartered Accountant

I graduated in 2009 from University College Cork with a first class honours degree in Commerce. I joined Parfrey Murphy later that year and I am currently studying for my Chartered Accounting exams. I am responsible for accounts preparation for both companies and sole traders and deal with clients on a regular basis.

My interests lie in travelling, walking and GAA.

Like: Rhubarb, The Black and Amber            (UP THE REBELS –Ed.)!

Dislike: The dark

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TADHG OG MURPHY B.Comm., M.B.S.

Trainee Chartered Accountant

I obtained an honours B.Comm. degree in University College Cork and in 2010 completed a Masters degree in Management Accounting and Management Information Systems. I am currently a trainee Chartered Accountant.

My interests lie in sport, particularly in GAA, where I am a member of Sarsfields Hurling Club and have been a member of the Cork senior hurling panel for the last two years.

Like: Skiing

Dislike: Flying

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Owen Mulcahy B.B.S., M.B.S.

Trainee Chartered Accountant

I qualified with an Honours Bachelor of Business Studies majoring in accounting from Cork Institute of Technology (CIT). During my time in CIT I interned in Morgan Stanley in New York. While working in Morgan Stanley I decided that an accountancy qualification was definitely the way forward for me. As a result I did a Masters in Accounting in Waterford Institute of Technology. I choose to train in Parfrey Murphy due to the diverse client range that Parfrey Murphy has. I enjoy water sports and in particular sailing out of the Royal Cork Yacht Club in Crosshaven.

My interests lie in water sports and sailing.

Like: Happiest on the water.

Dislike: Cold dark winter mornings.

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