E119 The Fifth Court

Recorded at the University of Galway recording studios.

Hosts Peter Leonard BL and Mark Tottenham BL talk to Diarmuid J. Connolly BL (kind of 'Father of the Mayo Bar' but he's keen to correct that misnomer) a practising barrister based in County Mayo.

Former UCG student Peter along with Diarmuid, start with a bit of reminiscing - including a story about men in UCG monitoring the purchase of condoms. However, Mark guides them back to the law.

He has been a member of the Bar of Ireland since 1995. In recent years, he has been actively involved in advocating for the restoration of criminal legal aid fees to their 2011 levels. He participated in protests and strikes in Castlebar, highlighting the challenges faced by criminal barristers due to fee reductions under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) legislation. Connolly emphasized that the issue is not solely about rates but about ensuring equality and sustainability within the legal profession.

Diarmuid's cultural recommendations are Anthony Bourdain, Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly (he's a keen cook) and for a movie he tips the hat to 'Withnail and I'.

The episode also includes recent important cases drawn from the Decisis casebook. These are brought to you thanks to Charltons Solicitors and Collaborative Practitioners, Georges St. Dun Laoghaire, Dublin.

• A potentially forged signature
• Case regarding airport landing slots in Dublin Airport
• Revenue case regarding a quarry and a tax liability

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E118 The Fifth Court featuring retired judge Mary Fahy

Judge Mary Fahy retired from the Irish District Court on January 31, 2025, concluding a distinguished 31-year judicial career. Appointed to the bench in the early 1990s, she served in various jurisdictions, including Dublin and Galway, and was known for her commitment to accessible justice and her forthright approach to the law.Law

• The ‘C’ Case: In the late 1990s, Judge Fahy presided over the high-profile 'C' case, involving a 13-year-old girl who became pregnant after rape and sought to travel abroad for an abortion. Judge Fahy ruled in favor of the girl's right to travel, a decision later upheld by the High Court. This case attracted significant attention and was the only instance where she recalled receiving hate mail during her career.
• Aran Islands Court Sittings: Demonstrating her dedication to community-based justice, Judge Fahy traveled by ferry to Inis Mór three times a year to hold court sessions in both English and Irish, addressing cases from all three Aran Islands. She believed these sittings were vital for ensuring that island residents felt connected to the justice system.
• Golfgate Trial: In 2022, she presided over the 'Golfgate' trial, swiftly dismissing charges against former senator Donie Cassidy and others after a brief deliberation, stating that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case.

As always guests are asked for their (sometimes) legally based recommendations for books or movies. Judge Fahy proposed the movie Fargo and a book , The Coast Road, by Alan Murrin

The episode also includes recent important cases drawn from the Decisis casebook. These are brought to you thanks to Charltons Solicitors and Collaborative Practitioners

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E117 The Fifth Court throws the spotlight on one of the country's most colourful solicitors, Paul Keane, former Managing Partner at Reddy Charlton (where he started at 17 years of age), now a consultant to that firm, as well as having been the Chair of the North Fingal Beekeepers Association!

• He was originally inspired by Lord Wedderburn and his legal insights. - "Company law has given me some of my best moments in my career"
• By simply saying 'Yes' led to some big opportunities in European law
• He's concerned about legal deserts - areas of the country where there is an absence of legal firms, which causes difficulties in accessing justice
• He is a member of the Order of the Polar Star - he explains how he received this honour
• He had a beehive outside his office in central Dublin - and wait'll you hear him on bees and the Brehon Laws. Sweet.
• His cultural recommendation, 'More Than Honey' (a Netflix movie) - and for a book he recommends the writings of Patrick Leigh Fermor

Also, our hosts discuss some recent cases drawn from the Decisis Law Reports - with thanks to Charlton Solicitors and Collaborative Practitioners of Dun Laoghaire, Dublin.

Don't forget the upcoming of the Kilkenny Law Festival 16th - 18th May where will be recording the podcast.

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