Though its formal establishment was in 1975, the firm’s roots go back further, having been formed through a merger of George A Nolan & Co, founded in 1914, and R J Farrell (later Farrell & Farrell), founded in 1920.

The two firms, together with Jim Mulhern, became Nolan Farrell & Goff and moved to the firm’s current premises in Newtown Lodge in Waterford City.

Recalling the merger discussions, Iain Farrell said he was keen to team up with John P. C. Goff, who he saw as a hard worker, and Mr Goff had indicated he “was affable as long as I could win over George Nolan”.

“I wanted it to be Farrell Nolan & Goff, as there were two Farrells,” he added. “George wanted it to be Nolan Farrell & Goff because he was older. So he offered to toss for it, and I lost!”

Managing partner Graham Farrell said: “The fact the firm has become and remains so strong is evidence of the farsightedness and ambition of the founding partners.

“The fact it has survived and grown through the highs and lows of the past five decades is down to the tremendous work ethic of the many staff members over the years and of course the support of our loyal clients.”

Donal O’Connell, a remaining member of the 1975 “dream team”, was a young solicitor when the amalgamation took place.

He said one of his strong memories was Mr Mulhern’s calm approach in “maintaining order in those heady early days”.

Mr O’Connell became a partner in 1979 and later steered the firm for 19 years as managing partner.

Nolan Farrell & Goff LLP today has a team of eight partners, five solicitors, five legal executives, an office manager and a large number of skilled and experienced administrative staff.