Keane McDonald supports the fight against MND

Yvonne Kelly • April 8, 2025

Keane McDonald was delighted to support the fight against MND at the Vipers RC inaugural ball in Manly on Saturday night

Motor neurone disease (MND) is a rare neurological condition that causes deterioration and loss of function of the motor system (the cells and nerves in the brain and spinal cord which control the muscles in our bodies). This results in weakness and wasting of the muscles.


MND is progressive and symptoms worsen over time. Sadly, MND severely reduces life expectancy and most people with MND die within five years of the onset of symptoms.


Currently there is no information available about what causes MND.


Various studies have been carried out around the world and the risk of developing MND does not appear to be affected by race, diet or lifestyle.


MND does not occur in epidemics, it is not infectious and it does not appear to be caused by any other disease. It is more common in men than women.


Most people experience the onset of symptoms after the age of 40 years and MND is most common in people aged between 50 and 70 years.


MND symptoms are progressive and worsen over time.


Symptoms initially experienced in distinct parts of the body will eventually spread to the rest of the body. MND does not usually cause cognitive problems or affect an individual’s intellect.


The main symptoms of MND are:


  • muscle wasting (this is often first noticed in the muscles in one hand, or in one arm or leg)
  • muscle weakness (it might be difficult to open bottles or jars, carry heavy objects, or climb stairs)
  • fasciculations (involuntary contractions of part of a muscle, often felt as flickers of movement or small twitches just under the skin)
  • speech problems
  • swallowing problems and excessive saliva (drooling)
  • cramps and muscle spasms (spasticity)


In the later stages of MND, the muscles weaken in the chest, back and neck and people experience difficulties with breathing.


If you would like to donate to this worthy cause:  https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/donate


By Mared Roberts • October 23, 2026
An outstanding opportunity has arisen for a Corporate Associate to join a high profile Dublin team operating at the forefront of M&A, venture capital and corporate finance. This role is ideally suited to a commercially minded lawyer with 2–6 years’ PQE.
By Mia Barry • October 23, 2026
A large firm with a friendly and informal working atmosphere is seeking an experienced Public and Regulatory solicitor to join them at Senior Associate level. This is a rare and exciting opportunity for someone to join their top tier team to further your career!
By Mia Barry • October 23, 2026
At Keane McDonald we have specialised in legal recruitment for the past 21 years, making us one of the most established legal search firms in the Dublin market. We have developed a deep knowledge of the private practice landscape and we have earned a reputation for being discreet. If you are a Partner and considering your options you may be interested in speaking with us. Our Commercial Director, Mia Barry, looks after Partner level hires at Keane McDonald. With over 20 years’ recruitment experience, she is a trusted leader in the market and has the connections and insights to offer a helping hand with your potential move, handled with utmost discretion. Mia can give you an overview of the market, an idea about remuneration structures and she has the experience to safely guide you through the process of interviews and business plans required to make the move. You will have nurtured your career carefully to this stage and a move now, weather you have recently made a Partner or is on Equity, is important and you will want all the necessary information to ensure you make the right decision. To arrange a discreet chat over the phone, or a coffee in person, please contact Mia Barry in strict confidence on +353 87 6021890 or mbarry@keanemcdonald.com . Absolute discretion is assured.
By Mared Roberts • October 22, 2026
We are working with a leading global law firm to recruit a Corporate Senior Associate to join its innovative and expanding Corporate team in Ireland. With a strong international footprint spanning more than 30 offices worldwide, this firm offers the opportunity to work on high-profile, cross-border transactions while building a long-term career within a market-leading practice. The Team The Corporate group advises investors, companies and management teams on venture capital, private equity, M&A, JVs, corporate restructurings and equity capital markets. The practice is particularly active in the technology, life sciences and healthcare sectors and is well known for its cross-border deal flow, working closely with colleagues across key global hubs including Silicon Valley, London, Berlin, Paris and Amsterdam. The Role This role will involve advising clients across all stages of the corporate lifecycle, from early-stage funding through to exits. You will work with a diverse client base including early-stage and growth investors, leading international venture capital firms, corporate investors, sovereign wealth funds and high-growth companies. The position offers significant client exposure, responsibility for running transactions and the opportunity to collaborate internationally on complex, high-value matters. The Ideal Candidate You will have strong general corporate experience gained in a top-tier Irish, UK or international firm, with exposure to M&A, VC and PE transactions. Experience advising on exits, growth funding rounds, start-ups, incentivisation structures and related tax considerations is highly desirable. You will be commercially minded, technically strong and confident managing transactions with appropriate partner and team support. Why Join? Along with a competitive remuneration package and extensive benefits, the firm offers excellent career progression, a well-defined path to partnership, high-quality mentoring, and a collaborative, inclusive culture.  Interested applicants should contact Mared Roberts in strict confidence on +353 1 6392924 or send your CV to mroberts@keanemcdonald.com . Absolute discretion is assured.
By Mared Roberts • October 22, 2026
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an Associate or Senior Associate to join the Data Protection & Privacy team of a leading European law firm, recognised for its market-leading expertise and highly commercial approach.
By Mared Roberts • October 22, 2026
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Technology Lawyer to join a market-leading international law firm as a Knowledge Management Lawyer within its highly regarded Tech Group. This award-winning team advises some of the world’s most innovative organisations across the full spectrum of technology law.
By Mia Barry • October 22, 2026
A great opportunity has arisen with a growing Commercial Property practice based in Dublin. The Property team cover all aspects of real estate work and you will get to manage a diverse commercial client portfolio. The firm offers an innovative and collaborative environment, and pride themselves on being clear and communicative and have a nice team based approach. They want you to succeed and will work with you to enable you to continue to learn and develop. The firm has superb business support areas and facilities and training. You will be a qualified lawyer with 2+ years’ PQE in Property law with a leading firm. You will strive for excellence in all aspects of your profession. You will thrive in a collegiate team environment built on excellent communication. You will have a commercial outlook and enjoy building and nurturing client relationships. If you are seeking a supportive firm with a fantastic network to help you thrive as a real estate lawyer, then this opportunity is for you.  Interested applicants should contact Mia Barry in strict confidence on +353 87 6021890 or email mbarry@keanemcdonald.com . Absolute discretion is assured.
By Mia Barry • October 22, 2026
A successful and straight talking firm is seeking a property lawyer to join their Real Estate Group as Real Estate Associate. This opportunity will suit a lawyer who is keen to get exposure to the top end of real estate law as you would be working as part of one of the most expert teams in the country. This group works on the largest and most innovative real estate transactions in Ireland, including acquisitions, disposals, leasing, development and funding. You will have ca 2-4 years’ PQE in Commercial Real Estate from a highly respected law firm You will give superb attention to detail at all times Ability to work on own initiative but also as part of a team  You will have strong communication skills This firm enjoys an open culture where everyone are working together in a real team environment. They support their people with business development skills from the very beginning and have strong opportunities for career developments and promote on merit. They are very transparent on targets and operate an attractive bonus scheme and you would get the opportunity to work with very strong Partners. The firm is continuing to grow and they have advanced flexible working arrangements in place. Interested applicants should contact Mia Barry in strict confidence on +353 87 6021890 or send your CV to mbarry@keanemcdonald.com . Absolute discretion is assured.
By Mia Barry • October 22, 2026
This is a fantastic opportunity to work closely with an expert Partner in this space whilst having an international network to progress your career and to manage high-profile construction projects.
By Mared Roberts • October 22, 2026
An outstanding opportunity has arisen for an ambitious Aviation Finance Lawyer to join one of Ireland's leading and internationally recognised legal practices.