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'An unrelating commitment to justice': tributes on retirement of Mary Irvine

Summary

This report details the retirement of Ms Justice Mary Irvine, the first female President of the High Court, rather than an appeal proceeding. On her final day on the bench, tributes were paid by Attorney General Paul Gallagher SC, who described her as having an "unrelenting commitment to justice." Angela Denning, Chief Executive of the Courts Service, praised her work ethic and handling of the pandemic. Maura McNally SC, Chair of the Bar Council, and Michelle Ni Longain, President of the Law Society, also offered commendations. Ms Justice Irvine, appointed to the bench in 2007 and High Court President in 2020, is the first person to serve on the High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court. In her farewell address, she highlighted challenges including the pandemic, personal injuries guidelines, and judicial shortages. She expressed concern for families affected by birth injuries and Ward of Court applications, and advocated for increased medical resources for young people with eating disorders. While pleased with the advancement of women in the legal profession, she noted that prohibitive childcare costs remain a barrier for many women seeking to advance their careers. The event marked the conclusion of her judicial tenure, with no specific case findings, pleas, or sentences recorded in this tribute.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'An unrelating commitment to justice': tributes on retirement of Mary Irvine. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• June 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2022-07-13 Publication

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal

Read the original CNI report