'A scholar and a gentleman' -Flurry of tributes paid to distinguished Longford professor

“He befit the title of a scholar and a gentleman,” was just one of the many tributes paid in memory of the distinguished Professor Conor Gearty at a recent sitting of Longford District Court.

The Abbeylara-born human rights lawyer and academic, who died suddenly on September 11, was held in high regard by the local judiciary, both in a professional and personal capacity.

In attendance on the morning of the sitting were members of Professor Gearty’s extended family, including his brother Frank, a well-known solicitor in the town.

Expressing her condolences to the family, Judge Bernadette Owens described the renowned academic as having been “one of the leading lights in the area of civil liberties and human rights law.”

She told the courtroom that while she had not known Professor Gearty on a personal level, she recalled him addressing a national judicial conference some years ago, and spoke in admiration of the “unquestionable enthusiasm” he held for his area of expertise.

Referencing an extract from Professor Gearty’s obituary, Judge Owens told the court, “I was reading the tribute in The Guardian Newspaper and one passage stood out and resonated with me.

It said, ‘Professor Gearty was renowned for his incisive wit and his ability to maintain friendships while disagreeing with opponents. As a skilled orator and debater, he deployed charm and curiosity to convince.”

Turning to Professor Gearty’s brother Frank, Judge Owens added, “on a personal note to you Mr Gearty, that view could just as easily describe yourself.”

Judge Owens’ tribute was met with a rapturous round of applause from the court, after which members of the judiciary followed suit in expressing their condolences.

Solicitor John Quinn told the court he had the privilege of knowing Conor and said it was the UK’s gain and Ireland’s loss when he moved to London.

Mr Quinn added, “He was always a pleasure and well able to exchange views. He befit the title of a scholar and a gentleman. It’s a pity we lost a man of his calibre at the age of 67.”

Sergeant Enda Daly, on behalf of An Garda Síochána, echoed the sentiments expressed and remarked that while he had not known Professor Gearty, he could see why he was held in such high esteem.

Professor Gearty’s brother, Frank, thanked Judge Owens for her beautiful words and expressed his gratitude for the “the support of the judiciary with whom Conor was very close, both in England and Ireland.”

Speaking of his brother’s accomplishments, Mr Gearty cited his “extraordinary portfolio” and added that “he could argue anything but did so with a disarming ability to make everyone feel comfortable and listen to his arguments. His own students spoke so highly of him.”

Mr Gearty recalled his brother’s “complete and utter appreciation and respect for the district court” and said they had both enjoyed chats about the nuances of the court in question.

In reiterating his thanks to the court for their comments and tributes, Mr Gearty closed his address on a resonant note, “Conor, in his 67 years, did more than what most of us would do in 167 years … he’s gone now but he has left a tremendous legacy.”

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