Leitrim insurance broker grows stronger with high impact acquisition

Leitrim company Brady Insurance has acquired Mannion Insurance, a long-established brokerage based in Strokestown, County Roscommon.

The acquisition follows Brady Insurance’s buy-back of a 51 percent stake from Coverys European Holdings (CEH), a Boston-based mutual insurance company, in December. This move returned Brady Insurance to full Irish ownership, allowing the company to pursue independent strategic growth.

“The addition of Mannion Insurance, a business that shares our values and client-first ethos, is a perfect fit for our vision. The acquisition shows how ambitious Irish-owned firms can work together to create value, innovate, and support local employment,” said Jane Brady, Managing Director of Brady Insurance.

“Over four decades Mannion Insurance has earned a reputation for personal service and trust - we aim to build on that legacy by bringing additional resources and digital capabilities to further enhance the customer experience.”

The move strengthens Brady’s presence in the west of Ireland, reinforcing its commitment to offering personalised, relationship-based insurance solutions at a time when the industry is experiencing rapid consolidation.

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Renatus Capital Partners reported that in 2024, there were 22 insurance-related mergers and acquisitions in Ireland, with 15 of these involving private equity-backed buyers. 

Both Brady and Mannion Insurance are family-owned, Irish-run businesses with deep ties to their communities and a focus on customer care. 

“We believe in the strength and future of independent brokers in Ireland - and in putting customer relationships ahead of aggressive scaling targets,” Ms Brady added.

Headquartered in Leitrim and with an office in Dublin, Brady Insurance employs 40 staff and generated €21 million in gross written premiums last year, providing personal and commercial insurance as well as specialist underwriting services. 

Its target is to grow that figure to €30 million over the next five years through measured acquisitions and the continued expansion of its specialist underwriting arm, Brady Underwriting. 

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This platform serves over 200 brokers nationwide and includes niche products such as liability cover for major events, festivals, film and TV. 

Founded in 1985 by Jim and Denise Mannion, Mannion Insurance has served both personal and commercial clients. The office in Strokestown will continue to operate with the existing team of eight in place, ensuring continuity for customers. 

“After 40 years serving the people and businesses of Roscommon and beyond, I’m proud to see our company continue under the stewardship of another family-run Irish brokerage,” said Jim Mannion, founder of Mannion Insurance. 

“We selected Brady Insurances because they share our commitment to personal service, community values, professional excellence and long-standing client relationships. This is a positive step for our staff, our clients, and for the future of independent insurance in Ireland.”

Commenting on predictions that Ireland’s 125 locally owned brokers may shrink to just ten dominant players over the next five years, Ms Brady said: “There’s a place for the big players, but also for firms like ours that are rooted in local knowledge and relationships. 

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“We’re big enough to deal with large cases, but small enough to know our customers’ names.”

Operating from Carrick-on-Shannon, Brady’s leadership has grown the firm into a diversified insurance provider. 

Its specialist unit, Brady Underwriting, has created proprietary systems such as EventInsure.ie, offering scalable cover for community events, large public gatherings, and the creative industries. 

The company also continues to explore new schemes and technologies to serve evolving customer needs.