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Death of District Court Judge Marie Quirke
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22 Jan 2025 people Print

Death of District Court Judge Marie Quirke

The death has been announced of Judge Marie Quirke of the District Court.

Judge Quirke was formerly a Law Society council member.

Before being appointed to the bench in 2012, she had been a solicitor, practising mainly in family law.

Law Society 2016/17 President Stuart Gilhooly, who served on council with her, said this morning: "Marie will be sadly missed.

"As a solicitor and before her appointment as a judge, she was a fine representative for her profession and a strong advocate on the Law Society Council who was never afraid to voice a strong opinion but always did so with a mischievous sense of humour and an affable manner."

Regulation committee member

Before becoming a judge, Judge Marie Quirke also served as a member of the Law Society Regulation Committee, and was also managing solicitor at the Finglas Law Centre. 

Judge Quirke later served as president of the Association of District Court Judges where she focused on advancing judicial training and education.

Law Society President Eamon Harrington today paid tribute to Judge Quirke following her untimely passing.

Tireless advocate

 "Judge Quirke was a tireless advocate for access to justice during her time as managing solicitor at the Finglas Law Centre. Having been appointed as a judge in 2012, she never lost her enthusiasm for the law and justice throughout her many years on the bench.

"She was held in high regard by judicial, solicitor and barrister colleagues alike,” he said.

"As a Dublin District Court judge, she was known for her fairness, compassion, respect, and people-centred approach. She was very considerate of everyone who entered her court. Judge Quirke will be remembered fondly for being genuine and having a great sense of humour.

"Judge Quirke's commitment to service was evident at every stage of her career. She was always keen to share her legal expertise, knowledge and guidance with others and did so as a popular tutor at the Law Society's Law School for many years, and more recently through her involvement with the Irish legal community’s Afghan Justice Appeal.

“On behalf of the solicitors' profession, we would like to share our condolences with Judge Quirke's family and friends," the Law Society President said.

President of the District Court, Paul Kelly told the Irish Times that Judge Quirke was “a wonderful colleague, who embodied all the best qualities of a judge – extensive legal knowledge, experience and expertise; patience, fairness, compassion and a deep understanding of the human condition.”

Condolences

He extended his condolences on behalf of all her colleagues to her husband Alan and her daughter Dearbhla and son Tiernan.

Constance Cassidy SC said that, for Judge Quirke, every single person, from the lay litigant to the most expensive barrister, had equal access to the courts.

“She was simply an extraordinary judge and we are all so sad,” she told the Irish Times.

Funeral details are available online.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

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