Bryan MacMahon (judge) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bryan MacMahon
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| Judge of the High Court | |
| In office 1 August 2007 – 8 April 2011 |
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| Nominated by | Government of Ireland |
| Appointed by | Mary McAleese |
| Judge of the Circuit Court | |
| In office 11 June 1999 – 1 August 2007 |
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| Nominated by | Government of Ireland |
| Appointed by | Mary Robinson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 10 April 1941 Listowel, County Kerry, Ireland |
| Spouse | Mary O'Neill (m. 1974) |
| Relations | Bryan MacMahon (Father) Martin O’Neill (Brother-in-law) |
| Children | 4 |
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Bryan M. E. MacMahon was born on April 10, 1941, in Listowel, County Kerry, Ireland. He is a well-known retired Irish judge. He served as a judge in the High Court from 2007 to 2011. Before that, he was a judge in the Circuit Court from 1999 to 2007.
Bryan MacMahon is also an author. He has written important books about Irish law. His father was the famous short story writer Bryan MacMahon.
Becoming a Legal Expert
Bryan MacMahon studied law at University College Dublin. He earned two degrees there. Later, he won a special scholarship to study at Harvard Law School in the United States.
In 1967, he returned to Ireland. He became a lecturer in law at University College Cork (UCC). He eventually became a Professor of Law and led the Law Department there.
Later, Bryan MacMahon joined a law firm in Ennis, County Clare. At the same time, he also taught law part-time at the NUI Galway.
His Time as a Judge
In 1999, Bryan MacMahon was appointed a judge in the Circuit Court. This court handles many different types of cases.
Because of his great knowledge of Irish law, he was promoted in 2007. He became a judge in the High Court. This is a very important court in Ireland. People saw him as an expert, especially in cases about harm or injury (called 'tort law').
He also continued his connection with University College Cork. In 2004, he became an adjunct professor in their Faculty of Law.
Bryan MacMahon retired from being a judge on April 8, 2011. He had served for 12 years in total. After retiring, he led a special group called the Referendum Commission. This group gave advice to the government about judges' pay.
Other Important Roles
Bryan MacMahon has always loved theatre. In 2005, he became the chairman of the board for the Abbey Theatre. This is Ireland's national theatre. His father's plays were often performed there.
He also chaired the Irish Universities Quality Board. This group helps make sure universities offer good education. He also led the National Archives Advisory Council.
Family Life
Bryan MacMahon lives in Kells, County Meath. He is married to Mary O'Neill. Mary's brother is Martin O'Neill, a very well-known football club manager. Martin O'Neill has managed famous teams like Aston Villa.
Books on Law
Bryan MacMahon has written several important legal textbooks. He often worked with other legal experts. Some of his books include:
- Law of Torts, co-authored with William Binchy (first published in 1980)
- Casebook on Irish Law of Torts, also with William Binchy (first published in 1983)
- European Community Law in Ireland, co-authored with Finbarr Murphy (published in 1989)
