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Statement from President Michael D. Higgins - Death of Judge Adrian Hardiman of the Supreme Court

Dáta: Lua 7th Már, 2016 | 15:19

“It is with great sadness that I have learned this morning of the death of Judge Adrian Hardiman of the Supreme Court.

Adrian Hardiman was one of the great legal minds of his generation. Excelling as a debater and student leader at UCD, he immediately established a reputation as a gifted advocate and orator from the very earliest stages of his career at the Bar. 

Always committed to the ideals of public service, Adrian earned the honour of being directly appointed to the Supreme Court from the Bar at an exceptionally young age. On the Supreme Court, Judge Hardiman has made an immense contribution to the development of Irish law. The depth and rigour of his legal analysis has been matched by the eloquence and clarity of his judgments. A strong voice on the Court, he has been rightly recognised as a particularly passionate defender of civil liberties and of individual freedoms.

Above all else, Adrian Hardiman was a proud and patriotic Irishman, who made it his life's work to defend the Irish Constitution, but who also made a unique contribution to Irish history, Irish literature and the Irish language. He was committed to the public world and the world of ideas and always gave generously of his time to debate and discuss matters of public importance. His loss to Ireland and to law will be enormous.

Sabina and I want to express our deepest sympathy with his wife Yvonne Murphy, their children and wider family. Our thoughts are also with those in the legal profession where Adrian was held with great affection and who will greatly miss his presence.”