Seán Guerin SC

The call to the Inner Bar, often referred to as “taking silk” in reference to their silk robes, is a recognition of a barrister’s exceptional legal expertise, professional achievements, and contributions to the legal community marking a significant milestone in their career.

The new senior counsel are Claire Collins, John Francis Hayden, Eamon Marray, Lorcan Connolly, Ciara Daly, Tabitha Wood, Susan Ahern, Donal O’Sullivan, Gareth Compton, Louise Reilly, David Whelan, Barry M. Ward, Colin Smith, Fionnuala O’Sullivan, Carl Hanahoe, Alison Keirse, Eoin Lawlor, Peter Shanley, Gráinne Duggan, Michael D. Hourigan, Jarlath Ryan, Aoife Carroll, Seoirse Ó Dúnlaing, Anthony Hanrahan, Frank Crean, John Berry and David Fennelly.

Bar chairperson Seán Guerin SC said: “Today’s call to the Inner Bar marks an exceptional milestone in the professional journeys of these 27 members of the Bar. Taking silk is not only the recognition of their individual legal practice and expertise but of their contributions to the barrister profession.

“The skills in advocacy and the mastery of the law they have shown are invaluable assets, not just to their clients but to the entire justice system. Further, their achievements today reaffirm the critical role that senior counsel play in supporting the rule of law and strengthening the social and economic framework of the State.”

He added: “The recent introduction of legal partnerships should not obscure the contribution that has been and continues to be made by an independent referral bar.

“The traditional Bar values of excellence in learning and advocacy, complete independence, and willingness to act for all clients in accordance with the cab-rank rule underpin access to justice and provide crucial support for administration of justice and the public good in Ireland. That is a tradition of which we, as a profession, are immensely proud.”

There are now 389 senior counsel at the Bar, with 21 per cent being women.