Ireland’s biggest talent agency sees profits rise

An Irish talent agency that represents many of the country’s leading entertainers, writers and directors, recorded profits of just €41,984 last year, newly filed accounts show.

Among the clients of the Lisa Richards agency are Hollywood actors Cillian Murphy and Pierce Brosnan; comedians Des Bishop, Mario Rosenstock and Dara O'Briain; director Jim Sheridan and actors Victoria Smurfit and Amy Huberman.

Abridged accounts filed with the Companies Registration Office show accumulated profits at the agency increased from €231,991 to €273,975 in the 12 months to the end of June 2015.

Employment costs, including wages and salaries, increased from €600,501 to €600,808. Directors’ remuneration rose to €131,427 from €131,070 a year earlier.

The agency, which was founded in 1989 by Lisa and Richard Cook, was originally established as a theatrical agency. It now employs 15 people between Dublin and London.

Other performers represented by the agency include former Boyszone star Keith Duffy, actors Michael McElhatton and Tom Vaughan-Lawlor, and comedian Deirdre O'Kane.