Frank Callanan SC

Mr Callanan died at home following a medical emergency on Sunday morning, just two days after the death of his father, retired solicitor and photojournalist Fionnbar Callanan.

A graduate of University College Dublin (UCD) and the King’s Inns, Mr Callanan was called to the Bar in 1979 and to the Inner Bar in 1998.

Legal rights group FLAC was among those paying tribute today to Mr Callanan, who had acted pro bono for a number of FLAC clients throughout the years.

Eilis Barry, chief executive of FLAC, said: “While he never held himself out to be a ‘public interest lawyer’, he acted in some of the most complex cases on behalf of people who otherwise wouldn’t have been represented.

“He was an exemplary role model for any aspiring lawyer. He acted regularly for FLAC clients with no expectation of payment.

“Those who were fortunate to be represented by him had an unswerving champion who was fearless and brilliant.”

She added: “As well as being an exceptional lawyer, Frank was also a historian and scholar, and the most entertaining of companions.

“We remember fondly Frank’s special lecture on ‘Joyce and the Law’ in June 2019, which combined his love of law and James Joyce and left his audience spellbound. It was one of the highlights of FLAC’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

“All in FLAC who knew him will miss his wisdom, generosity and sense of fun.”