The PurpleTree Story

At PurpleTree, we believe that every business has the potential to thrive when its people are empowered to succeed. 

The current HR landscape is failing to deliver on its promises. HR providers in Ireland are falling short in their duties, and the industry has also become too template-driven, with providers opting for a 'one size fits all' approach that neglects the unique needs of the business.

This generic advice is proving ineffective against the rise of modern-day HR challenges, such as AI integration, HR compliance, and remote workforce management. It’s clear that a new approach is needed, one that puts expertise, innovation, and human connection at its forefront.

That’s why our three founders, Mary Seery Kearney, David Kearney, and Seán Dunne, created PurpleTree. With their collective expertise in law, HR, and workplace relations, they’re determined to bring a disruptive and expert-led approach to HR consultancy that will revolutionise the current state of the industry.

We're not just another HR provider, no, we're a forward-thinking partner that has your back, every step of the way.

Meet the team

Our Expert Partners, Mary, David and Seán, all play an active role in the day-to-day support of our clients. Whether you’re navigating sensitive employment law matters, handling workplace disputes, or managing HR compliance frameworks, our team offers clear, confident guidance rooted in real-world experience.

Mary Seery Kearney

Managing Director & Legal Counsel

Mary leads PurpleTree’s legal and governance strategy, providing direct support on complex employment law matters, privacy compliance, and strategic change management. As our in-house legal expert, she offers high-level consultation and legal representation when required, ensuring every recommendation stands up to regulatory scrutiny.

Mary brings particular expertise in data protection, cyber law, AI ethics, and legislative development. She regularly represents PurpleTree at international legal forums and industry task forces, shaping policy at the intersection of law, technology, and business. Her final approval ensures that all legal outputs meet the highest standards.

David Kearney

Director of Human Resources & Safety Compliance

David leads on employment law compliance, safety standards, and HR advisory for our clients. His work spans strategic HR management, health & safety compliance programmes, and full representation in WRC and Labour Court proceedings. He is a key point of contact for interactions with statutory authorities including the Workplace Relations Commission Inspectorate and the Health & Safety Authority (HSA).

David brings deep expertise in ISO compliance, industry-specific training delivery, and practical implementation of data protection frameworks — helping businesses operate safely, legally, and effectively.

Seán Dunne

Director of Workplace Relations & Mediation

Sean is the driving force behind our human resources and industrial relations strategies. With a wealth of experience in conflict resolution and workplace mediation, he supports businesses through delicate internal matters and external negotiations. His specialist knowledge of the construction sector makes him a trusted advisor for firms navigating collective bargaining, industrial disputes, and Labour Court proceedings.

Sean also oversees cost control strategies, loss prevention, and operational risk – ensuring HR doesn’t just meet compliance but strengthens the business as a whole.

Our Mission

At PurpleTree, we help organisations navigate the ever-changing world of HR through innovative HR solutions and decades of consultancy expertise.

Our goal is to equip SMEs with the tools, knowledge, and foresight they need to overcome their HR challenges, stay compliant with Irish employment law, and achieve long-term success.

We achieve this by taking the time to understand each client's unique goals and by providing tailored HR solutions that drive real results.

So, if you're looking for a forward-thinking provider to help unlock your business's full potential, look no further.