Mr Ronan Molony is to become chairman of solicitors McCann FitzGerald from May 1st. Thirty eight year old Mr Molony who is head of the firm's banking and financial services group is to succeed Mr Fergus Armstrong who has been chairman for the last six years.

The new appointment is part of a reorganisation of the management structure of McCann FitzGerald. Mr William Early, the current managing partner, will return to full time legal practice. The new management structure is aimed at allowing partners with management responsibilities to continue to service clients.