Meet the Team – Your Trusted Financial Experts
At Financial Planning Matters, our team of experienced financial professionals is dedicated to helping you achieve financial security and success. With expertise in wealth management, retirement planning, and tailored financial strategies, we provide clear, independent advice to support you at every stage of your journey. Get to know the people who are committed to guiding you towards a brighter financial future.
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Niall O'Connor MSc CFP® QFA
Founder - Financial Planning Matters & BeatTheBank.ie
Niall started his career working for one of the largest financial advisory firms in Ireland. He gained experience advising private clients and corporates on a number of complex financial matters and soon established himself as one of the groups leading young financial advisers.
During this time, Niall became one of the few advisers in Ireland to attain the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional qualification, the hallmark of excellence in the financial planning profession.
After several years working for a large organisation, Niall decided to go on secondment to the largest bank in Ireland to broaden his knowledge and experience. He continued to help a diverse range of clients across all aspects of their financial planning and developed particular expertise in pension advice and investment planning.
As time went by, Niall felt there was a better way to deliver financial advice. One that helped people make sense of their finances without the confusing jargon or eye-watering charges. One that was approachable, reliable and accessible – not just reserved for the super-wealthy. Niall decided to launch Financial Planning Matters – a company dedicated to going ‘above and beyond’ for every client.
On a day-to-day basis, Niall advises busy professionals and their families on how to make the most of their money. His area of expertise includes retirement planning, tax mitigation, pension options and investing for the future. Outside of the office, Niall is a UEFA licenced coach and can often be found on the soccer pitch, coaching the next generation or on the golf course, losing golf balls. Alternatively, Niall enjoys spending time with family and good friends.
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Sharon Doyle
Director of Operations - Financial Planning Matters & BeatTheBank.ie
With over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, Sharon is an accomplished leader with a proven track record of success in operations management. With 14 years experience dedicated to improving operational efficiency, Sharon has consistently driven excellence in customer service, pushing organisations to achieving best in class 5 star ratings and fostering innovative solutions. Her expertise lies in streamlining processes to deliver outstanding outcomes, empowering teams, and exceeding client expectations.
Sharon is passionate about leading change and delivering impactful results, leveraging her deep knowledge of the industry to enhance every aspect of operational performance.
Outside of her professional life, she is a busy mum of two, who enjoys walking & live music which allows her to bring a balanced perspective to her leadership style.
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Laura O'Reilly
Protection and Group Specialist - Financial Planning Matters & BeatTheBank.ie
With over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, Laura brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role at Financial Planning Matters.
Throughout her career, Laura has built a reputation for her exceptional attention to detail and commitment to delivering a high standard of customer service. She takes great pride in making sure clients feel looked after, keeping things moving behind the scenes and ensuring that even the smallest details are taken care of.
Laura’s experience across financial services, combined with her practical and client-focused approach, makes her an invaluable member of the team. She particularly enjoys building relationships with clients and helping to make what can sometimes feel like a complicated process as straightforward and seamless as possible.
Outside of work, Laura is a busy mum and a keen runner. Having completed a number of marathons, she brings the same determination, organisation and staying power to life outside the office too.
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Daniel Coakley CFP® QFA
Certified Financial Planner - Financial Planning Matters
LinkedIn
Daniel has over five years’ experience in financial services, working with individuals and families to help them make informed decisions about their finances and plan with greater confidence for the future.During his career, Daniel has built experience across a wide range of financial planning areas, including mortgages, pensions, investments, protection and long-term wealth planning. He enjoys taking the time to understand what is important to each client and helping them put a clear financial strategy in place that reflects both their current circumstances and future ambitions.
Daniel’s approach to financial planning is centred around making financial decisions easier to understand. Rather than focusing on individual products in isolation, he looks at the bigger picture and how areas such as pensions, savings, investments and protection can work together as part of an overall financial plan.
On a day-to-day basis, Daniel works with professionals, families and business owners at different stages of their financial lives. He particularly enjoys developing long-term relationships with clients and helping them adapt their financial plans as their careers, families and priorities change over time.
Outside of work, Daniel has a keen interest in most sports. He is also an avid reader and enjoys travelling, discovering new places and experiencing different cultures. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with family and friends and making the most of his time away from the office.
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Chinnu Thomas
Marketing Executive - Financial Planning Matters & BeatTheBank.ie
Chinnu brings 3+ years of experience in digital marketing, with a background spanning around brand and content strategy, digital advertising and performance analytics. With experience across paid, organic and social channels, Chinnu combines creative thinking with a data-led approach to develop campaigns and content that engage audiences and support business growth.
Passionate about making complex information easier to understand, Chinnu focuses on creating clear, relevant content that builds trust and supports the team’s commitment to client-first financial guidance.
Outside of work, Chinnu is an avid reader and enjoys spending quality time with family.
Let’s Talk About Your Financial Future
Your finances should work for you, not the other way around. Our expert advisers take a personalised approach, acting as your dedicated financial partner to help you plan, grow, and protect your wealth. With transparent and independent advice, we ensure your financial strategy aligns with your goals—so you can focus on living life on your terms.