Rory O'Donnell

One of Ireland’s best-known property lawyers, Mr O’Donnell founded O’Donnell Sweeney in 1967, which developed a relationship with international law firm Eversheds in the 2000s and later became Eversheds O’Donnell Sweeney.

The firm said Mr O’Donnell, who latterly acted as a consultant to the firm, played a central role in the development of Eversheds Sutherland as a leading global full-service law firm.

Managing partner Alan Connell said: “‘Rory embedded the concept of the law firm acting as an expert business partner with its commercial clients, a concept that is an integral part of how Eversheds Sutherland sets itself apart from other law firms today.

“Rory also laid the foundations from an early stage for the values and culture in Eversheds Sutherland – his ‘open door’, ‘no fault’, ‘first names’ approach to dealing with all colleagues, young and old, is a lasting legacy he can rightly be proud of and one we continue to follow.

“We wish Rory the very best in his retirement and for the future.”

During his long legal career, Mr O’Donnell also served as president of the Dublin Solicitors Bar Association (DSBA) and vice-president of the Law Society of Ireland.