Darach Connolly

Darach Connolly

Partner
Dublin
About

Darach Connolly is a Partner at DLA Piper's Dublin office, recognised for his expertise navigating clients through complex Competition and Regulatory issues.

He advises public and private companies on the full breadth of EU and Irish antitrust law, covering merger control, distribution, abuse of dominance and cartels, as well as specific regulated fields including FDI screening, DSA / DMA, public procurement, pharmaceuticals, telecoms and TV & online media. With extensive regulatory sector experience across technology, life sciences and media.

Darach delivers innovative and solution-focused advice. He serves as Treasurer of the Irish Society for European Law (ISEL), is ranked by Chambers and Legal500, and is Recommended by Global Competition Review (GCR).

Areas of FocusConsumer Goods, Food and RetailFinancial ServicesIndustrialsInfrastructure, Construction and TransportInsuranceLife SciencesMedia Sports and EntertainmentReal EstateTechnology
Professional QualificationsSolicitor of the Senior Courts of England and WalesSolicitor regulated by the Law Society of Ireland

EXPERIENCE

  • Advising Keywords Studios on the antitrust and FDI aspects of its EUR2.5 billion take-private acquisition by EQT.
  • Advising Fiserv on the merger control, FDI and regulatory aspects of its EUR300 million acquisition of AIB Merchant Services, and its EUR220 million acquisition of CCV Group.
  • Advising Warner Bros. Discovery on its GBP600 million sports joint venture with BT Sport, including notification to the CMA, engagement with the European Commission and national competition authorities.
  • Advising UPMC on the merger control aspects of its EUR200 million Sports Surgery Clinic in Dublin, Aut Even in Kilkenny, and the establishment of a new facility in Limerick.
  • Advising an undertaking in the data centre sector in connection with investigations by the European Commission.
  • Advising Wexford Creamery on the Phase 2 merger review by the CCPC of its acquisition by Glanbia.
  • Advising multiple global technology firms on implementation of the Digital Services Act, Digital Markets Act and related content obligations under the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act in Ireland.
  • Advising a LPG supplier on High Court litigation related to assertion of IP rights, while defending abuse of dominance allegations.
  • Advising Aurelius, a European private equity firm, on various merger control and FDI screening notifications, including its GBP300 million acquisition of SSE Contracting, its EUR350 million acquisition of LSG/SkyChefs, and its acquisition of DCC's Exertis business.
  • Advising a global tobacco group on its EUR480 million acquisition of Fertin Pharma, a CDMO engaged in the production of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products.
  • Advising a mobile network operator on the implications of significant changes to the Irish telecommunications and data retention regime.
  • Advising a global eSIM provider on multiple regulatory aspects of its roll out.
  • Advising the winning tenderer on the largest Fuel Terminal procurement project at Dublin Airport, valued at EUR40 million.*
  • Advising Ireland's largest technology integrator on its participation in the Irish Government's EUR60 million cloud services tender.

Awards and Recognitions

  • "An exceptional partner who stands out for his remarkable combination of legal acumen and a genuine, collaborative approach. His professionalism and supportive demeanour foster trust and respect.", Client
  • "An experienced and knowledgeable attorney with a broad background and good contacts with the authorities in Ireland. He has a strong economic understanding and is a pleasure to work with.", Client
  • "Provides practical solutions to our business strategy.", Client
  • "Consistently delivered a good standard of work and support. They are highly responsive and smart, with a good understanding of economic relationships and backgrounds.", Client
  • "Great communication, with frequent calls and updates on progress.", Client
  • "A pleasure to work with. He is responsive, knowledgeable and actively seeks for opportunities to add value.", Client
  • "Provides a high standard of client service and is consistently responsive and practical.", Client
Education
  • Kings College London, Diploma in Economics for Competition Law, 2020
  • University College Dublin, BCL (International), 2007
  • University of Minnesota (International), 2006

My latest insights

News

DLA Piper advise Aviva Investors on up to EUR800 million European industrial energy...

31 October 2025

News

DLA Piper Advises Fiserv on Strategic Acquisition of AIB Merchant Services

8 September 2025 .1 minute read

Publication

Predictably uncertain: Managing merger control call-in risk at local level in the EU

2 April 2025 .1 minute read

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Phone

+35 314 876 667
(Work, Dublin)