Patrick Lynch (Irish attorney general) facts for kids

Patrick Lynch (born 10 February 1866 – died 9 December 1947) was an important Irish lawyer. He served as the Attorney General of Ireland from 1936 to 1941. This job means he was the main legal advisor to the Irish government. He was also a Senator (a member of the Irish parliament's upper house) from 1934 to 1936.

Early Life and Political Start

Patrick Lynch was born in Limerick, Ireland. He became a barrister, which is a type of lawyer who argues cases in court.

Joining Political Parties

He was a member of the Irish Parliamentary Party. This party aimed to get more self-rule for Ireland from Britain. When the party split, he supported the "Parnellite" side. This was named after Charles Stewart Parnell, a famous Irish leader.

In 1917, he tried to become a Member of Parliament in the East Clare by-election in 1917. However, he lost to Éamon de Valera, who later became a very important leader in Ireland. Within a year, Patrick Lynch joined Sinn Féin. This political party wanted Ireland to be fully independent.

Views on Irish Independence

After the Irish War of Independence, the Anglo-Irish Treaty was signed in 1921. This treaty created the Irish Free State but kept some links to the British Empire. Patrick Lynch was against this treaty in 1922. He believed Ireland should be completely independent.

Becoming a Senator

In 1925, Patrick Lynch became a "bencher" at King's Inns. This is a special honor for experienced lawyers in Ireland.

Serving in the Seanad Éireann

On 28 September 1934, he was elected as a Fianna Fáil Senator. He joined the Seanad Éireann, which was the upper house of the Irish parliament at the time. He served as a Senator until this part of the parliament was ended in 1936.

Attorney General of Ireland

Patrick Lynch became the Attorney General of Ireland in 1936. He served in this role until 1937.

Reappointment and Praise

He was appointed again as Attorney General under Ireland's new Constitution in 1937. He continued in this important legal role until 1940.

Maurice Healy, a writer, praised Patrick Lynch in his book. He said that Lynch had great honesty and a strong character. Healy also said that Éamon de Valera made an excellent choice by picking Lynch for the job of Attorney General.

Family Connections

Patrick Lynch's younger brother, James, also worked in law. James was a "state solicitor" for County Clare. This meant he handled legal matters for the government in that area. He worked under the Cumann na nGaedheal government, which was another political party in Ireland.