Thomas Molony facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Thomas Molony
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| Lord Chief Justice of Ireland | |
| In office 1918–1924 |
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| Preceded by | James Campbell |
| Succeeded by | Office Abolished |
| Solicitor-General for Ireland | |
| In office 1912–1913 |
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| Monarch | George V |
| Preceded by | Ignatius O'Brien, 1st Baron Shandon |
| Succeeded by | John Moriarty |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1865 |
| Died | 1949 |
| Spouse | Pauline Rispin |
| Children | Sir Hugh Francis Molony, 2nd Baronet 2 other sons 3 daughters |
Sir Thomas Francis Molony (1865–1949) was a very important judge in Ireland. He was the last person to hold the title of Lord Chief Justice of Ireland. This was one of the highest legal jobs in the country. He also held the title of Lord Chief Justice of Southern Ireland, even though he kept his original title.
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Starting His Legal Journey
Sir Thomas Molony became a barrister in 1887. This means he was a lawyer who could argue cases in court. Later, in 1899, he became a King's Counsel. This is a special title for experienced barristers.
Early Government Roles
Molony held several important roles in the Irish government. From 1912 to 1913, he was the Solicitor-General for Ireland. This job helps the government with legal matters. After that, for a short time in 1913, he was the Attorney General for Ireland. This is the main legal advisor to the government.
Becoming a Judge
In 1913, Molony became a judge in the High Court of Ireland. By 1915, he was a judge in the Court of Appeal for Ireland. He also helped with government investigations. One important inquiry looked into shootings after the 1916 Irish Easter Rising.
His Views on Ireland
Sir Thomas Molony believed in "Home Rule" for Ireland. This meant he wanted Ireland to govern itself, but still be part of the British Empire. He did not want Ireland to be divided. When a new law, the Government of Ireland Act 1920, was being planned, he refused to help divide the Irish court system. He thought dividing the courts would cost too much and make the separation of Ireland last longer. He hoped Ireland would one day be reunited.
Protecting His Important Title
In 1918, Sir Thomas Molony was made the Lord Chief Justice of Ireland. This was the second most powerful judge position in Ireland. But soon, his job title was at risk.
A New Law and a New Title
In 1920, the British government planned a new law to divide Ireland. This law, the Government of Ireland Act 1920, suggested changing Molony's title to "Lord Chief Justice of Southern Ireland." Molony was worried this would make his important job seem less important.
Fighting for His Title
Molony wanted to keep his original title, "Lord Chief Justice of Ireland." He wrote to government officials, asking for a change in the law. He wanted it to say that his title and rank would not be affected. The government said it would be strange to have a "Lord Chief Justice of Ireland" and a "Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland."
Molony argued that there were other examples of similar titles. He gave an example of two Archbishops in Ireland who both had important titles. He said:
"You may make any number of Chief Justices of Northern Ireland you like, provided you leave me with the title I hold."
He felt taking away his title was "unfair." He even traveled to London to talk to government leaders.
A Compromise is Reached
Finally, the government agreed to a compromise. The law was changed so that Molony could become the first "Lord Chief Justice of Southern Ireland" but still keep his original title and rank. This meant he was the only judge to hold both titles at the same time.
Leading the Courts in a New Ireland
On December 6, 1922, the Irish Free State was formed. This was a big change for Ireland. The job of "Lord Chancellor of Ireland," which was the highest judge position, was removed. This meant Molony became the most senior judge in the new Irish Free State.
Challenges During the Civil War
The Irish Civil War began in 1922. It was a very difficult time. The Four Courts building, where many legal records were kept, was burned down. Despite the violence, Molony tried to keep the courts working normally and uphold the laws. He was known for being very strict.
Administering the Oath
One important moment was when Molony gave the Oath of Office to the first Governor-General of the Irish Free State, Tim Healy. This was a key step in setting up the new government.
Molony was also the president of the Statistical and Social Inquiry Society of Ireland from 1920 to 1924.
Retirement and Later Life
In May 1924, Molony retired from his position. This happened when the Irish government created its own new court system. The titles of "Lord Chief Justice of Ireland" and "Lord Chief Justice of Southern Ireland" were both ended. The new leader of the courts was Hugh Kennedy, the first Chief Justice of the Irish Free State.
After his retirement, Molony met with the King on July 14, 1924. He was given the special title of Baronet in 1925. This is a hereditary title, meaning it can be passed down in his family.
Molony moved to England after retiring. However, he became the Vice-Chancellor of Trinity College Dublin in 1931. He passed away on September 3, 1949, and is buried in Wimbledon.
Sir Thomas Molony was married to Pauline Rispin. They had three sons and three daughters. His oldest son, Hugh Francis Molony, became the second Baronet after his father. Another son, Sir Joseph Molony, also became a well-known lawyer.
Family Coat-of-Arms
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See also
- Lord Chief Justice of Northern Ireland
- Chief Justice of Ireland
