Donal Creaton is a Partner at Holmes, acting for insurance companies, self-insured corporates and other clients requiring specialist advice in insurance defence litigation. His work involves advising on liability in litigated claims, valuing claims for damages and other losses, and managing risk through settlement, mediation or, where necessary, a court hearing.
Donal has particular experience acting for professionals in the defence of professional negligence claims, and for riding schools and racecourses in claims arising from equestrian and horse-racing incidents. He also defends claims from lay litigants, and claims against healthcare providers where care is delivered in a private home under HSE-directed arrangements. He has acted for sports clubs and other institutions in claims arising from defective playing surfaces or equipment, and for employers and insurers including Limerick City Council in employer's liability and public liability claims, as well as workplace and road traffic claims. Donal completed a BCL Honours degree at University College Cork (1983–1986), joined Holmes O'Malley Sexton in 1987, and was admitted as a solicitor in 1990. He became a Partner in the firm in 2000.
Recent Work Highlights
- Successfully resolved a claim for an Insurer arising from a fatal road traffic accident in which the passenger had knowingly accepted a lift from an uninsured, intoxicated driver of a stolen vehicle.
- Applied the 2025 Kirwan decision and subsequent case law on delay to secure the withdrawal of High Court litigation, following a motion to dismiss for pre-commencement and prosecution delay, resulting in no liability for the defendant and insurer involved.
- Applied the recent Twomey J. decision in J Burke & Associates Limited v Patrick O'Connell (2026) where the Court can order mediation even if the plaintiff does not consent and obtained such an Order for the Defendant in difficult litigation.
Professional Activities
- Former President, Limerick Solicitors' Bar Association
- Former Chairperson and current board member, Limerick Civic Trust
- Former board member, board of management of a Limerick primary school
- Chairs the Human Resources function within Holmes O'Malley Sexton LLP
Education
- 2013 - Certificate in Applied Childcare Law, Law Society of Ireland
- 1999 - Certificate in Applied European Law, Law Society of Ireland
- 1990 - Admitted to the Law Society of Ireland, 1990
- BCL (Honours), University College Cork
Holmes O’Malley Sexton’s insurance practice, which is based in the firm’s Limerick office, is led by Robert Kennedy. The firm has substantial experience of defending clients against insurance claims, having acted for a number of prominent insurers.
Donal Creaton
Insurance | Legal 500 EMEA 202
Robert Kennedy, who focuses on personal injury claims, particularly catastrophic injury cases, and oversees the firm's dedicated anti-fraud unit, heads the team with Harry Fehily and Donal Creaton.
Donal Creaton
Insurance | Legal 500 EMEA 2021
The team's wide-ranging client base includes educational institutions, regulatory bodies, local authorities, and other state and semi-state bodies. Practice head(s): Harry Fehily, Pat McInerney and Donal Creaton.
Donal Creaton
Public Sector | Legal 500 EMEA 2021
A law firm’s personnel is a most important resource. Holmes excel as market leaders.
Insurance | Legal 500 EMEA 2023
The firm always provides sound, competent and professional legal advice and representation and does so promptly.
Public Sector | Legal 500 EMEA 2023
The firm has excellent knowledge of the public sector, especially public procurement. They are readily available to assist with any clarification or query.
Public Sector | Legal 500 EMEA 2023
Awards, Membership and Recognition
