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 November 14, 1934) is a retired Irish judge. She has held many important roles in Ireland's legal system. She was a judge in the Supreme Court, High Court, and Circuit Court. She also served as a Senator for Dublin University.
Catherine McGuinness was appointed to the Council of State by two different Presidents of Ireland. She also led the Law Reform Commission. This group works to improve Ireland's laws.
Contents
About Catherine McGuinness
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.
Becoming a Lawyer and Politician
In the 1960s, Catherine worked for the Labour Party. This is a political party in Ireland. She became a lawyer in 1977 when she was 42 years old. This means she was "called to the Irish Bar". In 1989, she became a senior lawyer, known as being "called to the Inner Bar".
In 1979, Catherine was elected as an Independent candidate to Seanad Éireann. This is the upper house of the Irish parliament. She represented the Dublin University area. She was re-elected twice and served until 1987.
In 1988, President Patrick Hillery appointed her to the Council of State. This is a group that advises the President of Ireland.
A Pioneer in the Judiciary
Catherine McGuinness made history in 1994. She was appointed a judge of the Circuit Court. She was the first woman ever to hold this position in Ireland.
Later, she became a judge in the High Court in 1996. Then, in 2000, she was appointed to the Supreme Court. This is the highest court in Ireland.
Work for Children and Society
Catherine McGuinness has always cared about children and families. In 2005, she became the President of the Law Reform Commission. She held this role until 2011.
She has received many awards for her work.
- In 2009, she received a "Lord Mayor's Award". This was for her work helping children and families in Dublin.
- In 2010, she was named one of the "People of the Year". This was for her long service to Irish society.
- In 2012, she won the 'Irish Tatler Hall of Fame Award'.
She also became a patron of the Irish Refugee Council in 2011. This group helps refugees. In November 2011, she became the Chairperson of the "Campaign for Children". This shows her dedication to children's rights.
Catherine has received special degrees called "honorary doctorates" from several universities. These include the University of Ulster and Trinity College Dublin.
In 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 2022, a special painting of Catherine McGuinness was put on display. It is in the National Gallery of Ireland.
Catherine McGuinness Fellowship on Children's Rights and Child Law
In 2014, a special program was created in Catherine McGuinness's 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". This means she truly loves her country. She also said Catherine "stands up for the rights of others, particularly those who are marginalised and vulnerable". This shows how much Catherine cares about people who need help.
Personal Life
In 1955, Catherine married Proinsias Mac Aonghusa. He was from Galway. Catherine chose to use the name "McGuinness" as her married name. This is the English version of Mac Aonghusa. They had three children together.
