Orbitus Appoints Patrick Sheehan as Corporate Governance & ESG Specialist for the Southwest

Strategic move comes as Irish SMEs face increased regulatory scrutiny and director accountability

Orbitus, the multidisciplinary professional services firm with offices in Tralee, Cork & Killarney, has announced the appointment of Patrick Sheehan as Corporate Governance and ESG Specialist, marking a significant expansion of the firm’s advisory capabilities across Kerry and the Southwest region.

The appointment follows Orbitus’ merger with Patrick Sheehan Solicitors in October 2025 and represents a strategic response to the rapidly evolving compliance and governance landscape facing Irish SMEs, particularly those in regional and rural areas.

Mr. Sheehan, a solicitor with over three decades of legal experience and specialist qualifications in corporate governance, will lead Orbitus’ new Corporate Governance practice from the firm’s Killarney office.

A Timely Strategic Response

The appointment comes at a critical juncture for Irish businesses. Recent years have seen a marked increase in Revenue enforcement activity, enhanced corporate oversight powers, and growing scrutiny of director compliance with the Companies Act 2014.

“We’re seeing a fundamental shift in how Irish businesses are being held accountable,” said Tommy Walsh, Tax Partner at Orbitus. “Revenue has invested heavily in AI-driven compliance tools, and the net is tightening around PAYE, PRSI and corporate tax obligations. Directors are personally exposed in ways many don’t fully understand. Pat’s appointment allows us to offer clients a complete picture – not just tax compliance, but the governance structures that protect both the business and the individuals running it.

Deep Local Roots, Specialist Expertise

Patrick Sheehan brings a unique combination of local knowledge and technical expertise to the role. A UCC law graduate who qualified as a solicitor in 1995, he has practiced with leading firms including A&L Goodbody and Arthur Cox before establishing his own practice in Killarney in 2004.

His involvement in the Credit Union sector, including serving as Chairperson of Killarney Credit Union and as a Director of the Irish League of Credit Unions, where he previously chaired the Board’s Governance and Sustainability Committee, has given him unparalleled insight into governance challenges.

“Corporate governance isn’t about creating bureaucracy, it’s about protecting people and building stronger businesses,” said Patrick Sheehan. “Too many directors don’t realise their personal exposure under the 2014 Act. My role is to help them get ahead of these issues, not react to them in crisis. Joining Orbitus gives me access to a full team of specialists in tax, HR, data protection and commercial law, which means we can provide truly integrated solutions.”

Integrated Advisory Model

“Corporate governance doesn’t exist in isolation,” explained Jennifer Downing, Managing Partner at Orbitus. “When we conduct a governance review, we’re often uncovering issues that touch tax compliance, employment law, data protection, and commercial structuring. Having Pat work alongside our tax and HR teams means we can address these issues comprehensively. That integrated approach is what sets us apart, particularly for SMEs who can’t afford multiple advisors.”

This creates an interesting dynamic. Sites like Fels Point in Tralee, idle for years, are now seeing development interest. Councillor Mikey Sheehy described the recent Expression of Interest process as representing “significant progress” for the strategically located site.

The connection between housing development and population retention is clear. Areas that can attract and retain working-age residents are more likely to justify infrastructure investment and development projects.

Services will include governance health checks, director duties frameworks, ESG readiness assessments, shareholder agreements, and ongoing compliance advisory, with sector-specific expertise in hospitality, agri-food, and community enterprises.

Feel like your business needs a governance check ? Pat can assist you on 021 2355810

* Nothing in this article is intended to contain legal advice, and readers should seek the appropriate advice specific to their circumstances.