New leadership, continued excellence: FDC Tax Department Ltd’s legacy and future
Donncha Collins, who's been working with the company since 1991, is the new Head of FDC Group Tax Department. He takes up the mantle from Pat Lane, whose longstanding leadership and guidance has been hailed as he steps down from the role.
In June 1989, Jack Murphy, Managing Director of FDC Group, created FDC Tax Department Ltd, 16 years following the inception of FDC. Pat Lane was appointed its first Managing Director, spearheading the leadership in the Tax Department for the next 36 years with his qualifications as a Chartered Accountant, Chartered Tax Adviser, Trust and Estates Practitioner and as a qualified mediator with an Honours Bachelor of Civil Law Degree from UCC.
Since its beginnings in Cork City, Pat has successfully grown the tax division in its expertise, to the commercial and personal advantage of its many clients in rural Irish communities.
Under Pat’s management and skill, FDC Tax Department Ltd has grown from two to 30 experienced and knowledgeable staff in law, tax and other relevant disciplines to offer a diverse and comprehensive suite of tax services and succession advice to all clients, including individuals, partnerships and companies.
On January 1st, 2025, Pat Lane stepped down as Head of FDC Tax Department Ltd and will continue to work within the department as a Senior Chartered Tax Adviser, continuing the high quality and professionalism of service delivered to clients for over three decades.
Donncha Collins was appointed the new Head of FDC Tax Department Ltd and is uniquely qualified to succeed Pat as Donncha holds qualifications as a Chartered Accountant, Chartered Tax Adviser, a Trust and Estate Practitioner, a qualified mediator and has an Honours Law Degree from University College Cork. With over 34 years’ experience with FDC, Donncha Collins has been instrumental in leading and developing the service range of the Tax Department over the years.
Mary Higgins, one of the two original members of FDC Tax Department Ltd commented, “I commenced with FDC Tax Department Ltd in 1989 as personal assistant to Pat Lane. With the evolution of the Tax Department over the years, my role has changed and expanded alongside the growth of the department.”
When discussing what she envisions for the future, Mary stated, “I look forward with confidence to what the future will bring under the management of Donncha Collins along with Pat Lane, who will continue to be employed by FDC Tax Department Ltd as a Senior Chartered Tax Adviser.”
Another core member of the department, Ger Owens a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser, was appointed as a Director of FDC Tax Department Ltd in 2018, with the specific responsibility of technical tax resources. He specialises in company reconstructions, presenting and preparing tax cases for hearing by the tax appeals commission / courts, VAT on property, offshore taxes and unlimited companies.
Regarding the restructuring of the tax department, Ger commented, “I have always enjoyed working with Pat and Donncha, and I have benefitted enormously from their experience, insights and support over the years. The team ethic which they have always emphasised produces the optimum outcomes for our clients as the skills of all our team are utilised in the most productive manner.”
Donncha supported Ger’s perception of the culture within the department, saying, “What FDC gives you is autonomy. It says to you ‘these are your skills and your weaknesses, but here’s the freedom to discover your way of doing business and using your skills to the best of your ability with expert guidance along the way.’ I am lucky to not be wishing my life away for retirement.”
Ger anticipates the future of the company with deep conviction, commenting, “I look forward to the future with great confidence. Our team has acquired vast experience in dealing successfully with complex cases in many different tax specialities. This should serve us very well as we develop our offering to clients in FDC Group and to new potential clients who may be attracted by the wide range of skills at their disposal.”
Looking to the future of FDC Tax Department Ltd, Donncha is ready for the challenge: “I am thrilled to begin this new adventure, taking over from the incredible leadership of Pat Lane. I am ready to make a difference and leave a lasting impact on FDC Group.”
To enquire about any of FDC Group's services, please visit www.fdc.ie.
