Patricia Ryan (judge) facts for kids

Patricia Ryan is an important Irish judge. She has been the President of the Circuit Court since 2019. Before that, she served as a Judge in the same court starting in July 2002.

About Patricia Ryan

Her Early Life and Education

Patricia Ryan studied at two well-known places in Ireland. She went to University College Dublin and then to the King's Inns. The King's Inns is a special school where people learn to become barristers. Barristers are lawyers who speak in court.

She finished her studies and became a barrister in Ireland in 1984. She worked on many different legal cases. These included cases where people were hurt and sought compensation.

Before becoming a judge, she also helped with a special group. This group was called the Employment Appeals Tribunal. It helped solve problems between workers and their employers. She was a leader in this group from 1998 and again in 2001.

Becoming a Judge

In June 2002, Patricia Ryan was chosen to become a judge. She officially started her role as a judge in the Circuit Court in July 2002. The Circuit Court handles many different types of legal cases.

As a judge, she has overseen trials for various serious matters. These include cases about dangerous driving and other serious incidents. She also handled cases involving financial wrongdoing and other serious offences.

She also served on a special court called the Special Criminal Court. This court deals with very serious crimes in Ireland.

Leading the Circuit Court

In July 2019, Patricia Ryan was given an even bigger role. She became the President of the Circuit Court. This means she is now the main leader of this important court. She helps make sure the court runs smoothly and fairly.

Her Family Life

Patricia Ryan was married to Brian Lenihan Jnr in 1987. They had two children together. Sadly, Brian Lenihan Jnr passed away in 2011.