The criminal lawyer was best known for his defence work in the Special Criminal Court in the 1970s and 1980s, including in the Sallins train robbery case.

He was widely-respected by criminal practitioners and chaired the Bar Council from 1982 to 1986.

From 2005 until 2007, he led the high-profile commission of investigation established by the government into the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings.

Bar Council chairperson Seán Guerin SC said: “Patrick MacEntee SC KC was an outstanding barrister, whose fearless, highly skilled, and indomitable advocacy, including in very unpopular causes, was often the only hope of his clients and remains a source of inspiration to members of the Bar today.

“He was also a valued colleague whose service to the interests of justice included several years of leadership of the Council of The Bar of Ireland and a lifetime of guidance and mentorship to junior members of the profession.

“His loss is deeply felt and he will be long and fondly remembered.”

According to rip.ie, Mr MacEntee’s remains will repose at Fanagans Funeral Home, Aungier Street on Friday 17 January from 5pm until 7pm.

His funeral Mass will take place on Saturday 18 January at 11am in the Church of Mary Immaculate, Refuge of Sinners, Rathmines, followed by burial at Latlurcan Cemetery, Co Monaghan. The Mass will be streamed live on the church’s website.