Mr Houlihan’s father Ignatius commenced practice in Bindon Street in 1933; his mother Oona was one of the first female lawyers in Ireland. Mr Houlihan joined his father’s practice in the 1970s and it went on to be known as Michael Houlihan & Partners.

In 2022, Michael Houlihan & Partners merged with Sellors LLP to form MHP Sellors LLP, the largest dual-county law firm in the Mid-West.

The firm said the event not only marked a personal milestone for Mr Houlihan but also provided an opportunity to acknowledge his pivotal role in shaping the legal landscape of the region.

Among those paying tribute was Kilkee woman Marina Keane, whose journey with the firm started as a student from University of Limerick. Under Mr Houlihan’s mentorship, she progressed through the ranks and was recently appointed as a partner.

Speaking at the event, Ms Keane said: “Michael has always pushed standards. Through his actions, he has been a powerful flag-bearer for this part of the island and helped redefine the perception of what was possible for a solicitor from outside Dublin.”

Stephen Keogh, managing partner, said: “Michael’s contribution extends far beyond the legal profession; he has always known that the collective is greater than the individual.

“Michael is a man of unwavering integrity by those who know him and has left an indelible mark on the region. That is why we wanted to acknowledge him and thank him today.”