Tributes paid to Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns as he leaves the bench

Tributes were paid in the Four Courts on Friday to Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns, the outgoing President of the High Court, as he sat on the bench for the last time.

His 51-year career, including 17 years on the bench, was praised by the Chief Justice, Ms Justice Susan Denham; the President of the Court of Appeal, Sean Ryan; and Attorney General Máire Whelan.

He was also hailed by barristers’ and solicitors’ organisations, the Courts Service of Ireland, gardaí and journalists.

One lay litigant rose to pay tribute to the judge “on behalf of the people of Ireland”, RTÉ News reports.

Mr Justice Kearns became a barrister in 1968. He was appointed a judge of the High Court in 1998 before becoming a Supreme Court judge in 2004 and President of the High Court in 2009.

The Government has nominated Mr Peter Kelly as his successor.