Henry Barron (judge) facts for kids

Henry Barron (born 25 May 1928 – died 25 February 2010) was an important Irish judge. He served as a judge in Ireland's highest courts. From 1982 to 1997, he was a judge of the High Court. Later, from 1997 to 2000, he became a judge of the Supreme Court.

Judge Barron is remembered for two main things. In 1997, he granted Ireland's first divorce. He also led a major investigation into the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings. His findings were published in what became known as the Barron Report. This report helped lead to a bigger investigation in 2005. He was also the president of the Irish Jewish Museum.

Judge Henry Barron's Early Life and Career

Henry Barron grew up in Dalkey, Dublin. He went to Castle Park School and then to Saint Columba's College. After school, he studied law at Trinity College Dublin. He did very well, graduating with top honors in 1950.

In 1951, he started his career as a lawyer. He worked hard for many years. In 1982, the Taoiseach (Ireland's Prime Minister) Garret FitzGerald chose him to become a judge. He joined the High Court, which deals with serious legal cases. He worked there for fifteen years.

In 1997, another Taoiseach, John Bruton, nominated him for an even higher position. Judge Barron was appointed to the Supreme Court. This is the highest court in Ireland. He was the first Jew to be appointed to this important court. Soon after joining, he made history by granting Ireland's very first divorce.

Retirement and the Barron Report Investigation

Judge Barron retired from his role in the Supreme Court in 2000. He retired because of health reasons. After retiring, he was asked to lead a special investigation. This investigation looked into the terrible 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings. These bombings caused many deaths and injuries.

His investigation also covered other bombing incidents. These included attacks in Castleblayney, Dundalk, and Dublin Airport. He also looked into the Miami Showband murders and other deaths from the 1970s.

His detailed findings were called The Barron Report. He presented it to the Irish Parliament's committee in 2003. The report was critical of how the original investigations were handled. It suggested that more could have been done to find those responsible. However, he did not directly blame the British Government.

Henry Barron's Passing

Henry Barron passed away on 25 February 2010. He was 81 years old and had been unwell for a short time. He died in St. Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin. His wife, Rosalind, had passed away 13 years before him.

He was survived by his two sons, Harrie and Robert, and his two daughters, Jane and Anne. He also had ten grandchildren. His funeral took place on 26 February 2010. He was buried at Dolphin's Barn's Jewish cemetery in Dublin.

After his death, many people shared their tributes. These included politicians and people who campaigned for justice for the bombing victims.

• Taoiseach Brian Cowen said that Judge Barron carried out his task "with great sensitivity and thoroughness."
• Joe Costello, a politician, praised Judge Barron's commitment. He said the judge showed "exceptional understanding and sensitivity" to the victims' families. He also noted that the British authorities did not fully cooperate with the investigation.
• Margaret Urwin from the "Justice for the Forgotten" group also spoke. She said Judge Barron "wasn't afraid to name names." She added that he was not afraid to criticize the Irish and British governments or security forces. His report helped bring some closure to the families.