The Bar of Ireland Podcasts

Thinking about setting up a charity but unsure where to start? In this episode of the VAS Podcast, Gemma McLoughlin-Burke BL is joined by Sean O’Sullivan BL and Claire Colfer, Senior Associate, Charities and Not-for-Profit at Mason Hayes & Curran LLP to break down the essentials. From understanding what legally defines a charity under the Charities Act 2009 to navigating registration requirements,...

Is “smash and grab” dead in Irish construction law? The High Court has spoken. In this episode of the Construction Bar Association’s podcast, James Burke SC and Jonathan Fitzgerald BL break down the landmark Tender Bids (No. 2) decision and what it means for adjudication, fair procedures, and the future of payment disputes. They explain how Tender Bids (No. 1)—the first High Court decision involvi...

In Part Three of this joint series between Community Law & Mediation and the Voluntary Assistance Scheme of The Bar of Ireland, co‑hosts Gemma McLoughlin Burke BL and Aoife Kelly Desmond explore how we can meet new areas of need such as children’s law and environmental justice, the role of community law centres in a new civil legal aid system and how we can make sure community law is a career path...

In Part Two of this joint series between Community Law & Mediation and the Voluntary Assistance Scheme of The Bar of Ireland, co‑hosts Gemma McLoughlin Burke BL and Aoife Kelly Desmond explore how community law operates where it matters most: on the ground, alongside the people directly affected by access to justice issues. Featuring contributions from Alan D.P. Brady SC and Jane O’Sullivan, Manag...

In the first of a three-part collaboration with Community Law and Mediation and The Bar of Ireland Voluntary Assistance Scheme, we explore how the community law model arose in Ireland, the essential services such centres provide, and the strong relationship between community law and legal practitioners. Hosts Gemma McLoughlin Burke BL (Co-ordinator of the VAS) and Aoife Kelly-Desmond (CEO of CLM)...

In this episode in association with the Sports Law Bar Association, Susan Ahern SC speaks with Chris Bryant MBE, Managing Director of UK & Ireland 2028 Ltd, and Úna McNamara, Director of Legal & Company Secretary, for an insider’s look at the road to hosting UEFA EURO 2028. They unpack how a five‑nation partnership secured the winning bid, the creation of a standalone organising committee, and the...

Efficient delivery of infrastructure is a critical issue for Ireland. In recent months, public debate around infrastructure delivery has been dominated by the claim that judicial review is a central bottleneck. But does the evidence tell a different story? Ahead of our Infrastructure Conference on 27 February, we're outlining the facts about judicial review. In this episode, Seán Guerin SC (Chair...

A reflective conversation with Tom Mallon BL, Peter Ward SC and Caroline Doyle BL, looking back at the previous decade in employment law ahead of the tenth annual conference of the Employment Bar Association. Hosted by Cathy McGrady BL and covering areas from the founding of the EBA to landmark legal reforms like the Zalewski decision, the episode explores how the EBA has impacted the employment l...

In the final instalment of the Family Law Podcast Series, Judge Marie Baker and Claire Collins SC tie together the threads of family law with a sharp look at the mechanics of jurisdiction and enforcement. Explored in this episode: the legal implications of living apart under one roof, the enforceability of oral settlements and the penalties that can arise from non-disclosure. This conclusion to th...

In the penultimate episode of this series, Judge Baker and Claire Collins SC review a series of Circuit Court appeals, showcasing how judges apply family law principles in cases with modest assets. Topics discussed include personal injury awards, non-disclosure, nesting arrangements, deferred sales, and equitable asset division. How can judges exercise creativity in these cases - and how can this...

What impact do lifestyle choices have on maintenance awards? In episode 4 of the Family Law Series, Judge Baker and Claire Collins explore recent High Court judgments on child and spousal maintenance and outline how the decisions were reached in a series of very interesting cases. Episode Notes: KL v NÍ Chondúin [2015] IEHC 617 https://www.courts.ie/acc/alfresco/b62923f0-02bc-446d-9b36-fb88ad6fdee...

Spousal maintenance take centre stage in this episode which analyses Judge Whelan’s 2021 Court of Appeal judgment. This week, Judge Baker and Claire Collins SC break down the nuanced considerations around limited-term maintenance orders, the burden of proof for future earning capacity, and the constitutional recognition of homemakers. ___ N.O. v P.Q. [2021] IECA 177 https://www2.courts.ie/acc/alfr...

Judge Marie Baker and Claire Collins SC explore the key concept of “proper provision” in Irish divorce law - the test that Family Law Courts must apply in the context of divorce or judicial separation. Drawing on recent appellate decisions, they examine how courts assess financial fairness between spouses, and how the use of the term 'fairness' has evolved in judgments over the years. --- A v. A [...

Judge Marie Baker and Claire Collins SC open the series by looking at the historical and constitutional evolution of divorce law in Ireland. Marking the 30th anniversary of the 1995 referendum, they trace the legal journey from the 1937 constitutional ban on divorce to the eventual introduction of judicial separation and divorce legislation. The episode explores the vulnerability of married women...

Introducing our new Family Law podcast series hosted by Ms Justice Marie Baker and Claire Collins SC. This timely and hugely informative 6-part series will explore interesting cases and precedents in Irish family law, across the Superior Courts - with topics covering divorce, spousal maintenance, asset division and more. This series will be of interest to practitioners, those in public policy and...

In this episode are sharing a lecture delivered earlier this year by renouned international lawyer, professor and author, Philippe Sands KC. The lecture – on the theme of impunity – forms the latest instalment of the Daniel O’Connell Memorial Lecture Series. 2025 marks 250 years since the birth of Daniel O’Connell, the Irish nationalist leader and barrister, known in his time as ‘the liberator’. T...

In this episode, we are sharing a lecture delivered in 2016 by Paul Gallagher senior counsel on the life of Daniel O’Connell, which formed part of the green street lecture series with an introduction by The Hon. Mr. Justice David Barniville. 2025 marks 250 years since the birth of Daniel O’Connell, the Irish nationalist leader and barrister, known in his time as ‘the liberator’. The Bar of Ireland...

Ciaran Ramsay SC and Dearbhla Cunningham BL break down the latest on the Susquehanna case, which has significant implications for US LLCs and Irish subsidiaries. For more from the Tax Bar Association, visit www.taxbar.ie

Director of the League of Ireland Mark Scanlon sits down with barristers Neal Horgan and Aaron Shearer for a conversation on all things Irish Football. Their wide-ranging conversation covers the challenges and opportunities faced as the league continues to grow, and the ambitions of the FAI for the game in the future. For more on the Sports Law Bar Association – a specialist group of barristers wi...

The third instalment of the VAS series looks at the pro bono work required to assist the victims of historic injustice. Diarmuid Brecknell from Phoenix Law Solicitors and Andrew McKeown BL talk to us about Inquests, Inquiries and Campaigns and the intense yet rewarding work required to assist victims. For more on the Voluntary Assistance Scheme, visit lawlibrary.ie/vas

Gráinne Duggan SC and James Burke BL discuss a landmark ruling with important implications for tax professionals and corporate advisors. The Court of Appeal has delivered a pivotal decision in The Revenue Commissioners v. Covidien Limited. The judgment offers essential clarification on the criteria for VAT deductibility under EU law, overturning previous rulings by both the Tax Appeals Commission...

Sa chlár speisialta seo, labhraíonn John Freeman le Siobhán Ní Chúlacháin, Niall Ó hUiginn agus Méabh Smyth faoi imeachtaí atá á n-eagrú ag Cumann Barra na Gaeilge, agus go hairithe faoin gComhdháil speisialta atá ar siúl i bPáras ar an 12 agus 13 Meitheamh. In this special episode, John Freeman BL speaks to Siobhán Ní Chúlacháin, Niall Ó hUiginn BL and Méabh Smyth BL on upcoming events from Cuman...

Join barrister Aoife McNickle BL as she sits down with Ireland’s only court artist, Mike O'Donnell. From high-profile trials to sketching history in the making, Mike shares the unique challenges and the process of his one-of-a-kind career in the courtroom. His exhibition PrimaFacie, opens the 1st of May in Distillery Building, Dublin 7 and runs until May 15th.

Hugh Mohan SC and Brendan Lenihan, Managing Director of Navigo Consulting join Cathy Smith SC for a wide-ranging discussion on the practical aspects of mediating disputes that arise both within and between businesses. Brendan and Hugh offer fascinating insights from their respective business and legal backgrounds, touching on some of the common and unexpected aspects of the mediation process, the...

In this episode, James Rooney BL and Cillian Bracken BL join Gemma McLoughlin-Burke BL and Dearbhla Shirt to speak to about their voluntary work and more specifically their role in running the LGBTQI+ legal clinic with FLAC. James and Cillian cover legal issues regularly faced by the LGBTQI+ community - including parenthood of children and gender-affirming healthcare and legal documentation - and...