BREAKING: Shock at passing of visionary Tipperary judge who respected everyone equally

The death has occurred, suddenly, of Judge Marie Quirke of the District Court. Judge Quirke, who sat in the Dublin District Court, passed away on Tuesday January 21.

Judge Quirke lived in Ratoath, Co. Meath and was a native of Ayle, Oola, Co. Tipperary.

She was daughter of the late Kitty and Martin Quirke of Ayle.

She is survived by her husband Alan Fairnairn, children Dearbhla and Tiernan, brothers Dick and Tony, sisters-in-law Su, Jane, Mary Ita, Jennifer and Amanda, nieces, nephews, and a wide circle of friends.

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Judge Quirke was formerly a Law Society council member and before being appointed to the bench in 2012, she had been a solicitor, practising mainly in family law.

Before becoming a judge, Judge Quirke also served as a member of the Law Society Regulation Committee, and was also managing solicitor at the Finglas Law Centre.

She later served as president of the Association of District Court Judges, where she focused on advancing judicial training and education. Judge Quirke was appointed to the bench in 2012 and worked initially in the areas of family, childcare and criminal law before being given responsibility for licensing across the Dublin metropolitan area. She also heard Small Claims Court cases, which fall under the auspices of the District Court.

Widespread tributes have been paid to Judge Quirke on her untimely passing. District Court President Paul Kelly, described her as "a wonderful colleague, who embodied all the best qualities of a judge – extensive legal knowledge, experience and expertise; patience, fairness, compassion and a deep understanding of the human condition.

She was also very dedicated to the advancement of judicial education and training, and was an active member of the Judicial Studies Committee of the Judicial Council, in which capacity she frequently delivered training to newly appointed judges at all levels" said Justice Kelly.

Meanwhile Constance Cassidy SC described her as a "visionary" who respected everyone equally, from practitioners to lay litigants.

"No one came before her who did not get a chance to say their piece. She made very good decisions, most of which were unappealable. Every single person, from the lay litigant to the most expensive barrister, had equal access to the courts. She was simply an extraordinary judge and we are all so terribly sad," said Ms Cassidy.

Law Society President Eamon Harrington, also paid tribute to Judge Quirke saying that she was a tireless advocate for access to justice during her time as managing solicitor at the Finglas Law Centre.

"Having been appointed as a judge in 2012, she never lost her enthusiasm for the law and justice throughout her many years on the bench. She was held in high regard by judicial, solicitor and barrister colleagues alike. As a Dublin District Court judge, she was known for her fairness, compassion, respect, and people-centred approach. She was very considerate of everyone who entered her court. Judge Quirke will be remembered fondly for being genuine and having a great sense of humour," said Mr. Harrington.

He went on to say that her commitment to service was evident at every stage of her career and that she was always keen to share her legal expertise, knowledge and guidance with others and did so as a popular tutor at the Law Society's Law School for many years, and more recently through her involvement with the Irish legal community's Afghan Justice Appeal.

A minute's silence was observed in Cork District Court for Judge Quirke, with Judge Mary Dorgan paying tribute to her late colleague and friend and asking for a minute’s silence to be observed.

Joining in the condolences that were offered to the family of Judge Quirke at Cork District Court on Wednesday last were Frank Buttimer solicitor, on behalf of the Southern Law Association; Sergeant Gearóid Davis for An Garda Síochána; court registrar Peter Devine on behalf of courts staff; and barrister Jeff Hitchmough on behalf of barristers. Judge Dorgan said that shock and devastation were the words that came to mind at her totally unexpected death.

"She was quite an extraordinary judge having all the hallmarks that judges should have — consideration, good humour, kindness, fairness, patience and compassion. No doubt she could have served in the highest courts in the land," said Judge Dorgan.

We join with those from the Law Courts in extending our deepest sympathy to the husband, children, brothers, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews on the untimely passing of Judge Quirke. May she rest in peace.