Throughout 2025, Matheson has marked its 200-year anniversary with a programme of events and initiatives to reflect on the evolution of the firm
Matheson brought together clients and colleague to celebrate this landmark occasion, hosting a series of standout events across Dublin, London and Cork, each delivered with the sense of occasion befitting a 200-year milestone.
Complementing these gatherings were a dedicated 200-year section on our website, a archival milestone campaign across social media and a curated historic exhibition to invite our clients and colleagues to reflect with us on the firm's journey across two centuries. It has been a year long celebration of our connection, legacy and progress, in which we recognised the people past and present that have shaped Matheson over two centuries. As we near the end of a monumental year for Matheson, we invite you to explore the full breath of our 200-year showcase.
200-year curated exhibition
Dublin celebrations
The Dublin event served as the flagship celebration in an evening that brought the firm's story to life as we brought together clients, colleagues and friends of the firm to reflect on two centuries of progress, collaboration and shared ambition. A central feature of the event was a bespoke curated exhibition, tracing key moments in the firm's history. Guests were invited to walk through displays, engaging with photographs and archival highlights which illustrated Matheson's evolution from its 1825 Dublin origins.
We were delighted to be joined by An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, TD, who delivered the opening address, followed by an insightful panel discussion on the current geopolitical landscape featuring speakers including, the Rt Hon Mr Rory Stewart OBE; Robert Kelly, Central Bank of Ireland; and Matheson partner Emma Doherty, all moderated by Dearbhail McDonald.
Composer and producer, Bill Whelan, then joined Chairperson, Paddy Spicer, to discuss his esteemed career in music. Concluding with an evocative musical finale, guests enjoyed an orchestra performance from the Royal Irish Academy of Music of a composition by Contráth Boyd, winner of the 2025 Matheson RIAM competition.
Cork celebrations
In Cork, the Munster community gathered for a refined regional celebration that highlighted the strength of our presence in the South, honouring the firm's legacy and continued growth. Held in Hayfield Manor, Cork, Chairperson, Patrick Spicer, delivered opening remarks and welcomed guests from across Munster.
The highlight of the evening was a panel discussion in which panellists reflected on the importance of the Munster economy and shared their perspectives on the current geopolitical and economic developments affecting business today. The discussion was moderated by consultant and broadcaster Jonathan Healy and featured speakers Sophie Crosbie, IBEC Munster; Professor Conor O'Mahony, University College Cork; and Pat English, Head of Matheson’s International Business Group.
To conclude this vibrant regional celebration, guests enjoyed beautiful performances by Simon Morgan and Majella Cullagh. Simon Morgan has performed lead baritone roles in numerous award-winning opera productions, while Majella Cullagh is one of Ireland's foremost international opera singers.
London celebrations
London has always been central to Matheson's international story. We welcomed clients and colleagues for a special event recognising the firm's long-standing presence in the UK market. Head of London office, Joe Beashel and Chairperson, Paddy Spicer, welcomed guests followed by an address from Irish Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Martin Fraser, who underlined the importance of the very close relationships between Ireland and the UK.
An insightful panel discussion on some of the current and fast-moving geopolitical issues was moderated by Kirsty Wark, with contributions from Gideon Rachman, chief foreign affairs commentator for the Financial Times, Martina Lawless of the ESRI and Head of Corporate and incoming Managing Partner, Darren Maher. Lastly, guests were brought to their feet to appreciate a musical performance from one of Ireland’s best baritone singers, Simon Morgan.
