The funeral Mass for leading barrister Garrett Cooney takes place this morning (Friday) at 11.30am at St Kevin’s Church on Harrington Street in Dublin 8, followed by burial at Mount Jerome cemetery.

Longford-born Mr Cooney (pictured) died on Monday after a short illness, at St James’s Hospital in Dublin.

He is mourned by his wife Sheila and family Garrett, Stephen, Kevin and pre-deceased by his daughter Jeananne.

Commanding presence

Garret Cooney (84) practised across a range of legal fields in a 45-year career and was acknowledged as a commanding courtroom presence. He acted in a number of high-profile defamation and personal injury cases.

He was a brother of former Fine Gael justice minister Patrick Cooney.

He was called to the Bar in 1960 and to the Inner Bar in 1977.

Tribute

Paying tribute, Mícheál P O’Higgins SC (chairman, Council of The Bar of Ireland) said: “He was rightly regarded as an expert in constitutional, defamation and personal injuries law who built up and commanded an enormously successful practice.”

“Garrett had an immense presence in court. He possessed a deep and powerful voice, which he used to good and sometimes intimidating effect.

“He was regarded as one of the finest cross-examiners in the Law Library. He acted for plaintiffs and defendants alike, and was always meticulous in his preparation for court.

"He was a serious heavyweight at the Bar.”