The launch event coincided with International Women’s Day — fitting, the firm said, as it was also the 37th anniversary of the firm’s founding by Ann McCarthy.

Mrs McCarthy, whose successful careers as a theatre nurse and a transatlantic flight attendant in the 1960s and 1970s were ended because of the marriage bar, re-qualified as a solicitor in 1984 and established the firm in 1987, while raising four young children.

She was encouraged and supported by her husband, Joe McCarthy, who had qualified as a solicitor in 1969 and practised in West Cork for over 40 years.

The McCarthys’ four sons remain part of the firm today; Flor, John and Joseph are solicitors in the firm, while Paul is training as a solicitor. The firm has now grown to a team of over 20 lawyers.

Headquartered in West Cork, McCarthy + Co provides specialist nationwide services in medical negligence and personal injury.

The firm’s new state-of-the-art headquarters in the West Cork Technology Park are custom-designed to provide exceptionally well-appointed, ergonomic, and high-tech facilities.

Speaking at the opening, managing partner Flor McCarthy said: “We are extremely proud and privileged to continue Ann’s legacy here in this wonderful new base for McCarthy + Co.

“This move positions us perfectly for further growth and will enable us to better serve the many great clients that make us all that we are.

“We are especially honoured that An Tánaiste has officially opened our new premises today on what is a very auspicious International Women’s Day for the entire McCarthy + Co family.”