The late Supreme Court judge, Hugh Geoghegan, was commemorated as a devoted husband and father, faithful friend and a man with limitless curiosity during his funeral service on Wednesday. He passed away the previous Sunday at the age of 86. Caren Geoghegan, his senior counsel daughter, recounted her father’s 60th birthday when he expressed his only life regret – not meeting his wife of 43 years, Mary, earlier in life.
She depicted him as a remarkable father who engaged his three children with his inventive tales and games, which included challenging their knowledge on the capitals of less-known countries. There were no restricted topics at family meal times with him adamantly declaring to his wife, “Mary, I will not be censored”, revealed Ms. Geoghegan.
Fine Gael Councillor and Dublin Lord Mayor, James Geoghegan, expressed the family’s deep appreciation for the numerous tributes to his father, acknowledging his humanitarian nature. Hugh Geoghegan was distinguished by his vast curiosity and passion for current affairs, even to the extent of strapping a radio antenna to a car window to catch the breaking news of the Belfast Agreement. James recollected his father’s unwavering love for their mother and his family, he described him as perpetually entertaining, a lover of intriguing conversations and debates.
The tribute was given during a thanksgiving Mass held in honour of the judge in Dublin. The main celebrant, Fr Michael Sheil SJ, had been dear friends with the judge since their student days at Clongowes Wood College. Fr Sheil concurred with the description of the judge’s verdicts as being “infused with humanity and compassion”. He reminicensed Hugh Geoghegan as having the ability to bring about much joy and laughter.
Among the chief mourners were the judge’s wife Mary Finlay Geoghegan, who is a retired Supreme Court judge herself, their children, James, Caren and Sarah, his brother Ross, alongside extended family members including nine grandchildren. President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Simon Harris were represented by their respective aides-de-camp.
Attorney General Rossa Fanning was in attendance amidst a slew of serving and retired superior court judges at a packed gathering. Notably present were Chief Justice Donal O’Donnell, President of the Court of Appeal George Birmingham, and High Court President David Barniville. Among the crowd were also former Chief Justice Susan Denham, former High Court Presidents Mary Irvine and Peter Kelly, an abundance of barristers and solicitors, and Labour Party Leader, Ivana Bacik. A Dubliner by birth, Hugh Geoghegan began his career at the Bar in 1962, rising to the position of senior counsel by 1977. Practising in both Dublin and the midland circuit, he was appointed as a High Court judge in 1992 and ascended to the Supreme Court as a judge in 2000.