Fr Pat Gilbert, the main officiant during the funeral of District Court judge Elizabeth MacGrath in Nenagh, Co Tipperary, spoke highly of her deep commitment to justice and everlasting integrity. Sadly, Judge MacGrath passed away after a brief illness last week at the age of 65. Co Tipperary, her hometown, also served as her jurisdiction as a District Court judge. Additionally, she was the chosen District Court representative on the Judicial Council’s board and a habitant of the Association of District Court Judges.
In his speech, Fr Gilbert esteemed Judge MacGrath’s role as a beacon of righteousness and a sturdy pillar within their community. Prominent judiciary figures attended the service, including the deceased’s sibling, Court of Appeal’s Mr Justice Michael McGrath.
Charles Stanley-Smith, Judge MacGrath’s spouse, during his tribute, highlighted the necessity for District Court judges to connect and empathise with the real challenges that the average person faces. He admonished the usual ‘nonsense’ that comes before them. Stanley-Smith verified that Judge MacGrath dedicated an impressive amount of effort in every case. Nonetheless, she often regretted how loopholes or missed procedures in the law often obstructed the delivery of justice.
Stanley-Smith criticised the judiciary’s incompetence in fighting for themselves, saying they should seek representation, particularly in today’s media landscape. He indicated an unproductive spending of court and judges’ time, adding that the judiciary needed to modernise. Effectively, he suggested, this would accelerate the dispensation of justice, permitting judges to broaden their knowledge and dedicate more time to research instead of minor administrative matters.
Nicholas Ignatenko, a young boy from a Ukrainian family, who lived with Stanley-Smith and Judge MacGrath during the last two years, also addressed the congregation. Speaking fondly of the late judge, he positively asserted that she was a wonderful individual watching over them from heaven.
In attendance at the ceremony were numerous figures from various courts, including George Birmingham, President of the Court of Appeal; High Court President, David Barniville; Patricia Ryan, who leads the Circuit Court; and the President of the District Court, Paul Kelly. Also present were Mr Justice Peter Charleton and Mr Justice Gerard Hogan from the Supreme Court, Judges Isobel Kennedy, Charles Meehan and Donald Binchy from the Court of Appeal, along with Judge Joanne Carroll and the retired Judge Tom O’Donnell from the District Court.
The late Judge MacGrath is remembered by her spouse, siblings, in-laws and extended family, having previously lost her parents, Justice Michael MacGrath and Thérèse.