Feargal Mccormack Recognised In Triumphant Night For AAB At Irish Accountancy Awards With Three Awards Won

Leading Ireland and UK professional services firm, AAB, swept the board at the prestigious Irish Accountancy Awards which took place at the Royal Dublin Convention Centre on 1 May, winning two awards. Senior Partner and Head of Family Business, Feargal McCormack, also received the Outstanding Contribution to Irish Accountancy Award, in recognition of his exceptional and long-standing dedication to the accountancy profession. 

Since receiving investment from August Equity in 2021, AAB has trebled in size and now employs over 1,000 people. With all core business units established in Ireland AAB is well positioned to sustain its strong track record of at least 10% year-on-year growth in the region. 

Employer of the Year

AAB, won the Employer of the Year award in recognition of their value-driven workplace culture and commitment to nurturing talent. They have a successful and well-established early careers programme for graduates, apprentices and work experience students, and support team members to develop throughout their careers. As well as engaging consistently with team members across the organisation, they implement an industry leading employee benefit and incentive package.  

Tax Team of the Year

AAB also triumphed in the Tax Team of the Year category. The team’s ability to navigate complex cross-border issues while maintaining the highest standards of client service was cited in their award of this accolade. 

Outstanding Contribution to Irish Accountancy Award

Awarded by Chartered Accountants Ireland, the award recognises Feargal’s sustained commitment to the advancement of the profession and acknowledges his outstanding abilities and devotion to his peers and the wider industry.  

A former President of the professional body (2018 – 2019), Feargal founded the award-winning FPM in 1991. Initially operating as a sole trader, Feargal built FPM into an award-winning best practice business. His tenure at FPM and subsequently AAB has been marked by unparalleled client service, innovation, and impactful contributions to both the community and economy. His profound expertise in the complex dynamics of family business and succession have established him as a recognised authority on the subject, and a pillar of support for many of Ireland’s top family enterprises.  

This latest accolade follows the Managing Partner of the Year award at the 2018 British Accountancy Awards and the Irish Accountant of the Year title in 2019. In 2022, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Business Eye Magazine Awards for significant and lasting contributions to business, the accounting sector, the NI business community and the economy as a whole. 

Feargal has been awarded Honorary Doctorate degrees by both Queen’s University Belfast (2021) and Ulster University (2018) for his contribution to business and community on the island of Ireland.  

He is currently Senior Independent Governor on the Queen’s University Senate, Chairman of the GAA National Finance Committee at Croke Park, a Director of Co-operation Ireland and a Patron of Special Olympics Ireland. 

On accepting his award, Feargal said: “I’m deeply honoured and humbled to receive the Outstanding Contribution to Accountancy Award. Chartered Accountants Ireland has been central to my professional journey, and it was particularly meaningful to be recognised by CEO Barry Dempsey as he nears the end of his own distinguished tenure. This award reflects not just my own journey, but the collective effort of the incredible teams I’ve had the privilege to work with at FPM and now AAB. I’m proud of the legacy we’ve built together and excited for what the future holds.” 

Emma Lancaster, CEO at AAB, commented: “We are incredibly proud of the recognition AAB has received at the Irish Accountancy Awards. These accolades reflect the hard work, talent, and commitment of our exceptional team across Ireland. I want to particularly acknowledge Feargal McCormack, whose leadership and lifelong dedication to the profession have rightly earned him the Outstanding Contribution to Irish Accountancy Award. Feargal’s vision, values, and tireless support of clients, colleagues, and the wider community have helped shape the success of our business in Ireland. 

“These awards mark an important milestone for AAB as we continue to invest in our team and expand our presence across Ireland. Our focus remains on building a high-performing, people-centred business; one that attracts, develops, and retains the best people, and, working as one team, supports ambitious clients whilst creating exceptional opportunities as we deliver on our long-term growth strategy. 

The recent recognition at the Irish Accountancy Awards highlights the growing impact of AAB in the region. Following its merger with Dublin-based Ormsby & Rhodes earlier this year, the firm now operates from six offices and employs more than 170 professionals across Ireland, dedicated to supporting clients locally and internationally. AAB is firmly focused on long-term investment in Ireland, as part of its ongoing growth journey, which is set to continue as part of delivering its ambitious growth strategy for 2030.