Tell us about Gallagher’s history and business model.

We are very proud to be one of Ireland’s biggest insurance and risk management firms employing 600 colleagues who look after the insurance needs of over 300,000 Irish businesses and consumers across the country. We are known for our customer-first approach, helping individuals and businesses find reliable insurance coverage tailored to their needs.

We are a business defined by our culture and we foster a supportive, inclusive environment where colleagues thrive, prioritising client relationships, innovation, and ethical practices working within the communities we live and work. Gallagher is one of the world’s largest insurance brokers, founded 100 years ago in Chicago, operating across 130 countries and looking after millions of customers globally. The Gallagher family which set up the business originate from Limerick and now employ over 71,000 people worldwide, under the leadership of CEO and Chairman, Pat Gallagher, grandson of the original founder. Our customer base is hugely diverse – from space rockets, submarines and rock stars to cars, holidays and homes.

What was the thinking behind the company’s move into Ireland?

Launching in Ireland was a long-term ambition for Gallagher as our expertise and family roots here meant we were a great fit for the Irish public and firms here looking for quality, good value insurance products. Although we are very much a community broker supporting clients locally in towns and cities across Ireland, we are also one of the largest global insurance brokers meaning we can draw on extensive expertise and provide our clients with unrivalled advice and service.

Our launchpad into Ireland was the acquisition of Wexford-based Innovu and this set the stage for further acquisitions including Doyle Mahon, First Ireland, GMIB and CFM Group to build a nationwide presence. We now have offices in Cork, Clare, Louth, Monaghan, Meath, Cavan, Dublin, Wexford, Kerry, Kilkenny and Limerick. By joining forces with local brokers and retaining familiar local teams that know and understand their clients whilst providing access to Gallagher’s global size, scale and expertise we can provide an unrivalled service.

Our client base varies from country to country and here in Ireland around half our business is looking after the personal insurance needs of individuals. The other part of our business helps support a diverse range of Irish firms. Our specialisms in Ireland include agriculture and equine insurance and for the latter we can protect riders, owners, breeders, and equine businesses. Our bespoke policies cover equestrian assets, bloodstock, transit, and business liabilities to safeguard equestrian operations.

Why was the Dublin Horse Show seen as a good fit?

We had been looking for a sports partnership in Ireland for some time – we are passionate about supporting the communities we serve and as part of investing in our brand we wanted to find an event we could join forces with that Irish people are passionate about and that has the ability bring communities together.

This agreement represents a substantial investment by Gallagher in Ireland and will run for an initial three-year period. The Gallagher Dublin Horse Show is one of the most prestigious events in international show jumping and a can’t miss date in the diary for horse fans across Ireland and its unique blend of world-class sport, heritage, and atmosphere makes it a compelling event for our growing business to be involved in. This agreement marks an important step for Gallagher by investing in the Irish economy and community events that make a difference to our clients and colleagues.

What other events/endeavours or sports does Gallagher support?

Our global partnership with the Special Olympics is a cornerstone of our portfolio through which we support global events, coach training, and initiatives promoting inclusion for athletes with intellectual disabilities. This partnership aligns with the way we do business emphasising respect and community impact.

We are the title sponsor of Premiership Rugby in the UK and collaborate with the Chicago Cubs, holding rights to the Cubs home ground, Wrigley Field and supporting local initiatives through Gallagher Way, a community space hosting events like concerts and fitness classes. In motorsports, we partner with Team Penske in the NTT IndyCar Series. We also support the San Diego Padres, with Gallagher Square serving as a community hub for events beyond baseball. Our sponsorships also extend to other sports, including football, basketball, and golf.

This article is taken from The Irish Field’s Dublin Horse Show Magazine 2026. Order your copy HERE