Máire Whelan facts for kids

Máire Rita Whelan (born 24 November 1956) is an important Irish judge. She has been a Judge of the Court of Appeal since June 2017. Before this, she was the Attorney General of Ireland from 2011 to 2017. She was the first woman ever to hold this important legal job in Ireland.

About Máire Whelan's Life

Máire Whelan grew up in Kinvara, a town in County Galway, Ireland. She is married to a lawyer named Bernard McCabe. They live in Dublin, the capital city of Ireland.

Máire Whelan's Early Career

Máire Whelan first studied politics and sociology at University College Galway. Later, she changed her focus to law. She earned a master's degree from the University of London.

In 1985, she became a barrister. A barrister is a type of lawyer who represents people in court. In 2005, she was made a senior counsel. This means she was recognized as a very experienced and skilled barrister.

She also helped write a book about the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) Act 2009. This law dealt with financial matters in Ireland. Máire Whelan was also involved with the Labour Party. She served as their financial secretary.

Becoming a Judge in Ireland

On 13 June 2017, the Government of Ireland decided to suggest Máire Whelan to become a Judge of the Court of Appeal. The President of Ireland officially appoints judges.

There was some discussion about how the decision was made. However, Máire Whelan was quickly appointed as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. The President of Ireland appointed her on 19 June 2017. She officially started her new role as a judge on 21 June 2017.