Tributes paid at Letterkenny Circuit Court after death of much-loved barrister

Tributes have been paid at Letterkenny Circuit Court following the death of popular barrister Mr Joe Barnes.

Mr Barnes BL, who lived in County Leitrim, was a native of Stepaside in County Dublin, passed away suddenly at home on October 28.

Judge John Aylmer paid tribute to a “wonderful colleague and friend”. Mr Barnes practised in the Midlands and Northern Circuits since the early 1990s.

Judge Aylmer recalled how Mr Barnes was a year ahead of him in school and said he knew him very well.

“He was a great professional colleague and an even greater friend,” Judge Aylmer said. He told how Mr Barnes was a wonderful photographer who loved boating and was “very close to nature”.

Judge Aylmer conveyed his sincere condolence to Mr Barnes’ family, friends and colleagues.

Barrister Mr Colm Smyth SC, on behalf of the Bar, said the news of Mr Barnes’ passing was “akin to losing a member of the family”.

Mr Smyth remembered Mr Barnes as being “helpful, cooperative and kind” and said he looked after the young people of the Bar. He said Mr Barnes fought his health issues with great fortitude.

“He will be a great loss,” Mr Smyth said.

Mr Barnes will be sadly missed by his beloved daughter Rebecca, his old pal Eileen Heron and his wide circle of friends.

He was predeceased by his loving parents Do and Eamonn and his passing will be mourned by his brothers Paul and John, sisters Mary Jane and Ruth, nieces, nephews, and his extended families.

His funeral will take place on Monday morning at St. Mary’s Church, Sandyford Village arriving for 10am Mass, followed thereafter to Kilternan Cemetery Park.