Ms Justice Heneghan’s resignation left court president in ‘biblical rage’

The surprise resignation of Ms Justice Margaret Heneghan left the President of the High Court, Mr Justice Peter Kelly, in a “biblical rage”, according to The Irish Times.

The resignation of Ms Justice Heneghan just two years after her appointment left observers stunned and the courts overstretched.

Although she notified the President of Ireland of her resignation during the two-month court recess, Mr Justice Kelly was not aware until Thursday 28 September, four days before the new court term.

Ms Justice Heneghan reportedly notified him via a letter described in The Irish Times as “short and to the point”.

Four judicial sources told the paper that he was forced to make late arrangements to cover several matters before the High Court.

One source said the resignation had caused “a massive headache”, adding: “The High Court is already running to stand still and needs a full complement of judges just to do that.”

Mr Justice Henry Abbot’s retirement in December as he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 70 will also complicate matters.