Tributes paid to former barrister, Desmond Murphy

The term “character” formed many of the tributes paid to the late barrister, Desmond Murphy at Tuesday’s sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court.

The Derry born legal practitioner passed away in August in the Foyle Hospice.

The popular personality was appointed Junior Counsel in 1978 before becoming a Senior Counsel in 2009.

He appeared in many high profile cases during his term in office.

Leading the tributes, Judge John Aylmer said Mr Murphy had been very well known in the legal profession. Describing the late barrister as a “wonderful character”, he said he had always been prepared to take on difficult cases.

Stating that he didn’t know Mr Murphy particularly well, Judge Aylmer offered condolences on behalf of the court.

Representing the Junior counsel, Damian Crawford, B.L. described Mr Murphy as a notable character who, he agreed, was quite fearless in taking on the difficult cases.

He was something of a local historian and had previously worked as a diplomat in Brussels.

Mr Murphy had a “tremendous sense of humour” though people had to know him to get that humour.

He represented a nod to chivalry from a by gone age, Mr Crawford describing him as “a sheer force of will.”

“He was something of a quirky person who it was a pleasure to know.”

He extended sympathy to Mr Murphy’s sister, Helen, to his work colleagues and to those involved in the family business in Derry.

Tributes were also paid by Senior Counsel, Colm Smyth, who described him as “one of the great characters of the Law Library” while Ciaran MacLochlainn, on behalf of local solicitors, also extended sympathy.

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