Law Society Awards

Congratulations to Fourth Year students Matias Ó Conaill (Medal Winner), and to Oscar de Róiste, Michael Keane and Kevin McCarthy (Highly Commended) at the Law Society of Ireland Gráinne O’Neill Memorial National Legal Essay Competition Awards in Blackhall Place, Dublin.

Of the 500 entries, 30 students – of whom four were CBC students - were selected by a panel of legal professionals ahead of the National final which took place in President’s Hall, Blackhall Place.

Students were asked to submit a 1500-word essay on the topic Protecting Voices, Preventing Harm: Legal Challenges in Online Freedom of Speech.

From l-r: Michael Keane, Kevin McCarthy, Brendan Cunningham (MC & Partner at RDJ), Oscar de Róiste, Edward Newman (Teacher, accepting medal on behalf of Mati Ó Conaill).

About Judge Gráinne O’Neill

The Gráinne O’Neill Memorial Legal Essay Competition honours the life and legacy of the late Judge Gráinne O’Neill. In 2014, Gráinne became the youngest judge in Ireland to be appointed. Gráinne died in 2018 following a period of illness but, during her life and especially during her years as a judge, Gráinne worked diligently to apply the law in a fair, rigorous and compassionate manner.

In four short years, she left a rich legacy of strong, compassionate justice with a profound, empathetic regard for those struggling to make ends meet and to make good in life. Gráinne infused spaces and places with her joyful gratitude for life and desire to make a difference to people and their lives.

She reflected greatly on all matters to do with the law and on best ways to build a fair, just society. She was courageous, creative and deeply committed to doing good work and work of a high standard. (lawsociety.ie)