Catherine McGuinness facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Catherine McGuinness
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McGuinness in 2014
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| Member of the Council of State | |
| In office 6 January 2012 – 4 April 2019 |
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| Appointed by | Michael D. Higgins |
| In office 2 May 1988 – 11 November 1990 |
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| Appointed by | Patrick Hillery |
| Judge of the Supreme Court | |
| In office January 2000 – 23 September 2006 |
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| Nominated by | Government of Ireland |
| Appointed by | Mary McAleese |
| Judge of the High Court | |
| In office 10 August 1996 – 1 July 2000 |
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| Nominated by | Government of Ireland |
| Appointed by | Mary Robinson |
| Judge of the Circuit Court | |
| In office 22 July 1994 – 10 August 1996 |
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| Nominated by | Government of Ireland |
| Appointed by | Mary Robinson |
| Senator | |
| In office 23 February 1983 – 25 April 1987 |
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| In office 11 December 1979 – 13 May 1982 |
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| Constituency | Dublin University |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Catherine Isobel Bridget Ellis
14 November 1934 Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 3 |
| Residences | Blackrock, Dublin, Ireland |
| Education | Alexandra College |
| Alma mater | |
Catherine McGuinness (born 14 November 1934) is a retired Irish judge. She served as a judge in Ireland's highest courts. She was a judge of the Supreme Court from 2000 to 2006. Before that, she was a judge in the High Court and the Circuit Court. She was also a Senator for Dublin University.
Catherine McGuinness was also part of the Council of State. This is a group that advises the President of Ireland. She was appointed by President Patrick Hillery and later by President Michael D. Higgins. From 2007 to 2009, she was the President of the Law Reform Commission. This group works to improve Ireland's laws.
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Early Life and Education
Catherine Isabel Brigid Ellis was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in 1934. Her father was Robert Ellis and her mother was Sylvia Craig. She went to primary school in Belfast. Later, she studied at Alexandra College, Trinity College Dublin, and the King's Inns. These are all important places for education in Ireland.
Career in Law and Politics
In the 1960s, Catherine McGuinness worked for the Labour Party. This is a political party in Ireland. In 1977, when she was 42, she became a lawyer. This is called being "called to the Irish Bar". In 1989, she became a senior lawyer, which is known as being "called to the Inner Bar".
Becoming a Senator
In 1979, Catherine McGuinness was elected as an Independent candidate. She became a Senator for the Dublin University area. Senators are people who help make laws for the country. She served as a Senator from 1979 to 1981 and again from 1983 to 1987.
Becoming a Judge
In 1994, Catherine McGuinness made history. She was appointed as a judge of the Circuit Court. She was the first woman ever to hold this position in Ireland. The Circuit Court handles many different types of legal cases.
In 1996, she was appointed to the High Court. This court deals with more serious cases. Then, in January 2000, she was appointed to the Supreme Court. This is the highest court in Ireland. She served there until 2006.
Work for Law Reform
In 2005, Catherine McGuinness became a professor at the Faculty of Law at the National University of Ireland, Galway. She was also appointed President of the Law Reform Commission. This commission works to make sure Ireland's laws are fair and up-to-date. She held this important role until 2011.
Awards and Recognition
Catherine McGuinness has received many awards for her work. In April 2009, she received a "Lord Mayor's Award". This was for her great work helping children and families in Dublin.
In September 2010, she was named one of the "People of the Year". This award recognized her brave and long-standing service to Irish society. In November 2012, she won the 'Irish Tatler Hall of Fame Award'.
Other Important Roles
Besides her work as a judge, Catherine McGuinness has helped many organizations. She served on the Employment Equality Agency, which works for fair treatment in jobs. She also worked with the Forum for Peace and Reconciliation. In June 2011, she became a patron of the Irish Refugee Council, which helps refugees. In November 2011, she became the Chairperson of the "Campaign for Children".
She has also received special honorary degrees from several universities. These include the University of Ulster and Trinity College Dublin. In February 2013, she became the Honorary President of Trinity College Dublin's Free Legal Advice Centre. This center helps people get legal advice for free.
In January 2014, she was asked to lead a group of experts. This group looked at the best ways to build power lines in Ireland. In March 2015, she received an Alumni Award from Trinity College Dublin.
In July 2022, a painting of Catherine McGuinness was shown at the National Gallery of Ireland. The painting was created by the artist Miseon Lee.
Catherine McGuinness Fellowship
In November 2014, a special program was created in her honor. It is called the Catherine McGuinness Fellowship on Children's Rights and Child Law. This program helps new lawyers learn about children's rights. They work to improve laws for children in Ireland.
The Chief Justice of Ireland, Susan Denham, launched the Fellowship. She said that Catherine McGuinness is a "patriot" who always "stands up for the rights of others". She especially helps those who are vulnerable in society.
Personal Life
In 1955, Catherine Ellis married Proinsias Mac Aonghusa. He was from Galway. For her married name, Catherine chose to use "McGuinness". This is the English version of her husband's last name. They had three children together.
