Tipperary financial advisory firm announces partnership with fast-growing Irish firm

Fairstone Ireland has announced its latest strategic partnership with DMFS, a highly regarded financial advisory firm based in Thurles.

This marks Fairstone’s tenth partnership to date, and its fourth in 2025, further solidifying the firm’s position as one of Ireland’s fastest-growing provider of financial planning and wealth management services.

READ MORE: Tipperary elected representatives welcome huge new investment in town

This new partnership closely follows Fairstone’s recent partnership with Gilroy Gannon Financial Services in Sligo and forms part of its ambitious national expansion strategy.

Renowned for delivering high-quality, independent financial advice, Declan has built a strong regional presence over the past two decades, with particular expertise in retirement planning, investment management, and tailored financial strategies.

Under the terms of the partnership, DMFS will adopt the Fairstone brand and operational model, ensuring a seamless transition that retains the firm’s leadership and staff.

Declan Maher will continue to lead the Tipperary-based team, delivering the same personalised client service, now enhanced by Fairstone’s extensive national infrastructure and support systems.

Paul Merriman, CEO of Fairstone Ireland, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Declan and his outstanding team to Fairstone. This partnership strengthens our presence in Munster and aligns with our vision of building a unified, client-focused financial services network across Ireland. We’re not just expanding, we’re elevating the standard of financial planning nationwide.”

The addition of DMFS brings Fairstone Ireland’s assets under management to over €1.9 billion, a key milestone that highlights the firm’s rapid growth trajectory.

The deal also reinforces the continued success of Fairstone’s distinctive partnership model, which is designed to empower advisory firms while delivering enhanced value for clients.

READ MORE: PICTURE: Tipperary business pays tribute to staff working 25 years at the Credit Union

Declan Maher, Managing Director of DMFS Group, said: “Partnering with Fairstone is a natural evolution for our firm. Our clients will now benefit from broader resources and a deeper bench of expertise, without sacrificing the independent, personalised service they know and trust.”

Anthony O’Driscoll, Head of Mergers & Acquisitions at Fairstone Ireland, added: “Declan Maher is a respected and ambitious business leader in the financial services sector who shares our positive vision for the industry. We are delighted to be able to support Declan in driving the next phase of growth for DMFS, whilst also allowing him to unlock value that he continues to build in his business over time via our Downstream Buy Out programme. We have now partnered with over 100 firms across the UK & Ireland, demonstrating our proven track record of helping quality firms to scale sustainably while maintaining their client-first ethos.”

As Fairstone charts an ambitious path through 2025 and beyond, this latest partnership underscores its mission to redefine what it means to deliver a truly client-centric, nationwide financial advice firm by firm, region by region.