The Bar of Ireland Podcasts

Director of the League of Ireland Mark Scanlon sits down with barristers Neal Horgan and Aaron Shearer for a conversation on all things Irish Football. Their wide-ranging conversation covers the challenges and opportunities faced as the league continues to grow, and the ambitions of the FAI for the game in the future. For more on the Sports Law Bar Association – a specialist group of barristers with expert sports law knowledge – visit www.slba.ie

The third instalment of the VAS series looks at the pro bono work required to assist the victims of historic injustice. Diarmuid Brecknell from Phoenix Law Solicitors and Andrew McKeown BL talk to us about Inquests, Inquiries and Campaigns and the intense yet rewarding work required to assist victims. For more on the Voluntary Assistance Scheme, visit lawlibrary.ie/vas

Gráinne Duggan SC and James Burke BL discuss a landmark ruling with important implications for tax professionals and corporate advisors. The Court of Appeal has delivered a pivotal decision in The Revenue Commissioners v. Covidien Limited. The judgment offers essential clarification on the criteria for VAT deductibility under EU law, overturning previous rulings by both the Tax Appeals Commission and the High Court. Central to the decision is a reaffirmation of the stringent interpretation of the “used for” test outlined in Article 168 of the Principal VAT Directive. Read the judgement in full here: https://tinyurl.com/2ar3k2et Book your place for the upcoming Tax Bar and Sports Law Bar Association event on Tuesday 29 April 2025: https://ti.to/BarofIreland/slbatba29april?source=web

Sa chlár speisialta seo, labhraíonn John Freeman le Siobhán Ní Chúlacháin, Niall Ó hUiginn agus Méabh Smyth faoi imeachtaí atá á n-eagrú ag Cumann Barra na Gaeilge, agus go hairithe faoin gComhdháil speisialta atá ar siúl i bPáras ar an 12 agus 13 Meitheamh. In this special episode, John Freeman BL speaks to Siobhán Ní Chúlacháin, Niall Ó hUiginn BL and Méabh Smyth BL on upcoming events from Cumann Barra na Gaeilge, in particular the Conference taking place in Paris on 12th and 13th June.

Join barrister Aoife McNickle BL as she sits down with Ireland's only court artist, Mike O'Donnell. From high-profile trials to sketching history in the making, Mike shares the unique challenges and the process of his one-of-a-kind career in the courtroom. His exhibition PrimaFacie, opens the 1st of May in Distillery Building, Dublin 7 and runs until May 15th.

Hugh Mohan SC and Brendan Lenihan, Managing Director of Navigo Consulting join Cathy Smith SC for a wide-ranging discussion on the practical aspects of mediating disputes that arise both within and between businesses. Brendan and Hugh offer fascinating insights from their respective business and legal backgrounds, touching on some of the common and unexpected aspects of the mediation process, the benefits and challenges, as well as why there is a growing adoption of mediation in the business community.

In this episode, James Rooney BL and Cillian Bracken BL join Gemma McLoughlin-Burke BL and Dearbhla Shirt to speak to about their voluntary work and more specifically their role in running the LGBTQI+ legal clinic with FLAC. James and Cillian cover legal issues regularly faced by the LGBTQI+ community - including parenthood of children and gender-affirming healthcare and legal documentation - and the other pro bono legal work they participate in.

From Rory Gallagher to Winnie the Pooh - Martin Bradley BL gives John O'Donnell SC a whistlestop tour of some of the case studies from his book on Art and Cultural Heritage Law, covering areas such as the repatriation of cultural artefacts, copyright ownership, and the true meaning of "GLAM". Martin's book, "Art and Cultural Heritage Law: A Practical Guide" is available from Clarus Press: https://www.claruspress.ie/shop/art-and-cultural-heritage-law-a-practical-guide/ Clips used: 1. Helen Mirren on Art Restitution, C-SPAN, 7 June 2016. Credit: C-SPAN 2.The Mini of Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: Pooh and Gopher, 12 October 2011. Credit: Walt Disney Animation Studios 3. Rory Gallaghers 1961 Stratocaster valued at £1m, 11 July 2024. Credit: RTÉ

In the first episode of the Voluntary Assistance Scheme (VAS) Podcast Series, Lewis Mooney BL and Seán Beatty BL join Gemma McLoughlin Burke BL and Dearbhla Shirt to discuss the various Bar Fellowships & Volunteering Opportunities available to barristers. From pro bono work to structured fellowship programs, they explore how members of the Bar can contribute their skills to support access to justice and make a real impact.

The Construction Contracts Act 2013 provided for parties of construction contracts to refer payment disputes to adjudication. This unique development significantly changed the landscape of dispute resolution in the sector. James Burke BL and Jonathan Fitzgerald BL of the Construction Bar Association take a closer look at this topic, focusing on the implementation of the Act to date, the adjudication process, and a recent report from the Construction Contracts Adjudication Panel.

In the latest podcast from the Sports Law Bar Association, Chair of the Association Aoife Farelly BL is joined by Séamus Kenny, Secretary GAA Football Review Committee; Conor Sally, Solicitor and Chairperson of Omagh St. Enda's GAA; Feargal Logan, Solicitor and former Tyrone football manager; and Fiachra Breathnach BL, former GAA footballer for Galway. This debrief discussion was recorded following an insightful event on the new rules arising from the report of the GAA Football Review Committee.

Recently retired Ms. Justice Marie Baker served as a Judge of the Supreme Court from 2019 to 2024, a Judge of the Court of Appeal from 2018 to 2019, and a Judge of the High Court from 2014 to 2018. She now serves as Chair of the recently formed Electoral Commission. She talks to Declan Harmon BL on growing up in Cork, her journey into law and reflects on her time both on the bench and in the Law Library.

In this podcast episode, we explore the role of lawyers as communicators, examining how legal professionals convey complex legal concepts to clients, courts, and the public. Communications as a form of practice development and growth, leveraging contributions across multiple channels, and the evolving role of technology in legal discourse all figure in this conversation. Additional guidance to members is available at the Ethics Hub of the member portal. Featuring: Ann Marie Hardiman, Publisher, Think Media, Bar Review David Leonard BL Sinead McGovern, Director, Q4 Cormac O'Culain, Director of Communications Contact communications@lawlibrary.ie

Arbitrator Susan Ahern SC of the Sports Law Bar Association welcomes William McAuliffe, Head of Disciplinary at UEFA and Giovanni Maria Fares, Counsel at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to the podcast. In this episode, they discuss how they came to practice in the area of sporting disputes, their areas of work and some key learnings from their careers so far. Attend the Sports Law Bar Association Conference on 6th December - Register here: https://ti.to/BarofIreland/slbaconference2024

In the third and final part of the Tax Bar's podcast on tax litigation, Frank Mitchell SC and Lorna Gallagher BL discuss procedure post receipt of the TAC determination namely, appealing to the High Court, the case stated process and tax litigation through the Courts.

In part two of the Tax Bar's podcast on Tax Litigation, Frank Mitchell SC and Lorna Gallagher BL continue their discussion and in particular discuss the burden of proof, the potential for amendment of the notice of appeal, applications in the nature of discovery, expert witnesses and the running order of a hearing before the Tax Appeals Commission. Book your place for the Tax Bar Association Annual Conference, taking place on Wednesday 4th December. Full details: https://ti.to/BarofIreland/tba-conference2024-copy?source=podcast

The first in a two-part series, Frank Mitchell SC and Lorna Gallagher BL discuss tax litigation and the tax appeals process, along with the impact of legislative reform on tax in Ireland. For more from the Tax Bar Association, visit www.taxbar.ie

Katie Nagle BL and Liam Vanmechelen BL join the podcast to speak about dispute resolution, their journey to practice and their upcoming trip to the New York for the 2024 International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR) internship programme.

Róisín and Simon are recipients of the 2024 Innocence Scholarships from The Bar of Ireland, who are undertaking work on projects in the USA which aim to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create equitable systems of justice for all.

Gemma McLoughlin-Burke BL, Chair of The Bar of Ireland's Voluntary Assistance Scheme, discusses the Innocence Project in the United States, pro bono work and her own personal path to practice.

In the Tax Bar Association's first podcast, David McGrath BL and Catherine Dunne BL consider the recent High Court decision in The Revenue Commissioners v Tobin [2024] IEHC 96 concerning the meaning of “full and true disclosure” in the context of the four-year time limit on Revenue's power to raise assessments. The podcast is hosted by Dearbhla Cunningham BL, a committee member of the Tax Bar Association. View the judgment: https://www.courts.ie/view/Judgments/13d5a902-91f8-4000-9044-67b0c8c20f20/8c7813e0-b6cd-4669-8aa6-3b3cf889a946/2024_IEHC_196.pdf/pdf For more from the Tax Bar Association, visit www.taxbar.ie

Paul Maier BL is a barrister specialising in employment law and was called to The Bar in 2022. In this episode, Paul tells the story of his unique path to the Bar, his practice and the differences between the Irish and American legal systems.

For Pro Bono Week Ireland 2024, Gemma McLoughlin Burke BL, Chair of The Bar of Ireland's Voluntary Assistance Scheme, hosts a roundtable discussion with representatives from various organisations to explore the pro bono landscape in Ireland. Joining the discussion are Liam Herrick of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, Eilis Barry of Free Legal Advice Centres, and Sean Beatty BL.

Journalist Tommie Gorman joins barrister Turlough O'Donnell SC for a wide-ranging discussion on the lessons learned in the mediating of the discussions which led to the Good Friday Agreement. This session was organised by the European Association of Judges for Mediation (GEMME). Introduced by Ms. Justice Ann Power, Judge of the Court of Appeal. Intro Music: Positive Fuse - French Fuse The views expressed in this podcast are the contributor's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Bar of Ireland.

Arbitrator, Mediator and Advocate Joseph Matthews joins Turlough O'Donnell SC for an insightful discussion on their experiences of mediation and negotiation throughout their respective careers. This seminar, entitled "Negotiation, Conflict Resolution & Mediation with some reference to the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023" was recently hosted by The Bar of Ireland. Intro Music: Positive Fuse - French Fuse The views expressed in this podcast are the contributor's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Bar of Ireland.

Why legislate for the protection of hedgerows? The Protection of Hedgerows Bill 2023, prepared by a working Group of Comhshaol – The Climate Bar Association, seeks to safeguard the native Irish hedgerow, a crucial element of our landscape and natural heritage that provides vital ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration and reservoirs of biodiversity. Leesha O'Driscoll SC is a member of the Climate Bar Association and part of the Hedgerows Legislation Project who have drafted this Bill which the Green Party intends to introduce as a private members bill next year. For more, visit naturaljustice.ie

What role does mediation play in the resolution personal injuries disputes, and how doe lawyers play a part in this process? In this episode, Cathy Smith SC & Aoife Farrelly BL speak about the topic of personal injuries mediation and recent developments in the area. Intro Music: Positive Fuse - French Fuse The views expressed in this podcast are the contributor's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Bar of Ireland.

The Electoral Commission, formed in 2023, is a new independent body that will oversee all elections in Ireland. In this episode, Tomás Keys BL is joined by Art O'Leary, the CEO of the Commission, to talk about the work of this new statutory body, the new electoral constituencies, and what work is being done ahead of upcoming referendums and elections. Intro Music: Positive Fuse - French Fuse

In this podcast, renowned artist Vera Klute joins Patrick T. Murphy of the Royal Hibernian Academy in her studio as she works on the 2023 In Plain Sight commission. The subject of this year's portrait is Frances Moran, the first woman to become Senior Counsel in Ireland and Britain. This wide-ranging conversation touches on some of Vera's previous work, as well as the significance of undertaking this commission for The Bar of Ireland and King's Inns. In Plain Sight is a joint initiative between The Bar of Ireland and The Honorable Society of King's Inns to increase representation of women in the law through portraiture. Learn more and contribute at lawlibrary.ie/inplainsight Introduction by: Aoife Farrelly BL Intro Music: Please - Wayne Jones

Speaking Freely? New legislation raises questions about the potential criminalisation of aspects of religious speech. In this episode, Grace Sullivan BL speaks on some of the points raised in her recent Bar Review article on the topic. Read Grace's article in The Bar Review: https://www.lawlibrary.ie/bar-reviews/the-bar-review-june-2023/#h-speaking-freely The views expressed in this podcast are the contributors' own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Bar of Ireland. Intro Music: Positive Fuse - French Fuse

What's changing in planning law? Tom Flynn SC provides a whistlestop tour of the Draft Planning & Development Bill, and some key questions that have arisen out of its publication. Read the Oireachtas Report on the Pre-legislative Scrutiny of the Draft Bill: https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/committee/dail/33/joint_committee_on_housing_local_government_and_heritage/reports/2023/2023-05-04_report-on-the-pre-legislative-scrutiny-of-the-draft-planning-and-development-bill-2022_en.pdf Read Tom's article here: https://www.lawlibrary.ie/bar-reviews/the-bar-review-april-2023/ View Tom's Law Library profile: https://www.lawlibrary.ie/members/tom-flynn-sc/ The views expressed in this podcast are the contributor's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Bar of Ireland. Intro Music: Positive Fuse - French Fuse

Why is the process of discovery considered onerous and burdensome, and what has been proposed to improve this? Discussing the recommendations of the Review of the Administration of Civil Justice, Emile Burke-Murphy BL and Roddy Bourke, Litigation Partner at McCann Fitzgerald, outline the proposed changes and some considerations of how a new scheme for discovery will affect civil litigation and access to justice. The views expressed in this podcast are the contributors' own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Bar of Ireland. Intro Music: Positive Fuse - French Fuse

Discussing her recent Bar Review article co-written with Sean Gillane SC, Eithne Reid O'Doherty BL outlines the legal landscape around domestic abuse, coercive control and stalking - as well as what work still needs to be done. Content Warning: This episode contains some graphic discussion of domestic abuse cases which some listeners may find upsetting. Helpline numbers: Womens Aid: 1800 314 900 Mens Aid: 046 9023718 Rape Crisis Network Ireland: 1800 77 888 Garda Crime Victims Helpline: 116 006 Garda Confidential Line: 1800 666 111 The views expressed in this podcast are the contributors' own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Bar of Ireland. Intro Music: Positive Fuse - French Fuse

SLBA Podcast Competition winners Noel Campbell Jr. BL & Neil Horgan BL are joined by a stellar line-up of guests, discussing Irish football post-Brexit and the opportunities and challenges surrounding a potential all-island league. The views expressed in this podcast are the contributors' own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Bar of Ireland. Intro Music: Positive Fuse - French Fuse

Do we have a right to a healthy environment? Clíona Kimber SC and Dr. Andrew Jackson of UCD talk on a model environmental law, Climate Case Ireland, biodiversity and their outlook on the future in this all-encompassing discussion on climate law. The views expressed in this podcast are the contributors' own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Bar of Ireland. Intro Music: Positive Fuse - French Fuse

The Council of The Bar of Ireland recently welcomed a new General Scheme of a Bill addressing Human Trafficking issues; however had raised some issues in an October submission to the Oireachtas Justice Committee. In this episode, Colm O'Dwyer SC highlights some issues in the General Scheme of the Criminal Justice (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2022. The views expressed in this podcast are the contributors' own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Bar of Ireland. Intro Music: Positive Fuse - French Fuse Read the submission here: https://www.lawlibrary.ie/app/uploads/securepdfs/2022/10/Bar-of-Ireland_Submission_OirJusCttee-final.pdf

As winners of the Sports Law Bar Association Podcast Competition, Noel Campbell Jr BL and Neal Horgan BL meet with a range of sports personalities to discuss what the implications of Brexit are on football in Ireland. In this episode hosted by Ali Bracken Ziad BL, Noel and Neal hear from Dr. Seán Ó Connaill, UCC; Liam Kearney, Head of Academy at Cork City FC; Brian O'Callaghan, Treaty United; Brendan O Sullivan, Solicitor, and Niamh O'Mahony, Football Supporters Europe and recently elected to the board of the FAI.

Climate migration, displacement, international protection and Ukraine - Michael Conlon SC & Denise Brett SC speak on these issues and more related to Immigration, Asylum and Citizenship law in this episode of our in Focus Series. For more information on IACBA and their 2022 Conference on 25th November, visit www.iacba.ie. Intro Music: Positive Fuse - French Fuse

The crypto-asset market has increasingly become an area of intense interest for policymakers and regulators in recent years; John Breslin SC and David Sweetman BL delve into this topic and chart how the law is responding to developments in this new area. Adapted from an article published in The Bar Review Volume 27 Issue 4. Read more at: lawlibrary.ie/bar-reviews Intro music: Positive Fuse - French Fuse

Tomás Keys BL considers how the new Order 99 Rule 9 of the Rules of the Superior Courts – including how a recent judgement casts light on how wasted costs orders can now possibly be brought against barristers as well as solicitors. Adapted from an article published in The Bar Review Volume 27 Issue 4. Read more at: lawlibrary.ie/bar-reviews The views expressed in this podcast are the contributors' own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Bar of Ireland. Intro Music: Positive Fuse - French Fuse

To celebrate Black History Month 2022, Law Library Members Aoife Farrelly BL and Femi Daniyan BL are joined by three aspiring lawyers - Teniola Shittu, Eric Ehigie and Munachi Soribe. The wide-ranging discussion focuses on the students' perceptions of the Bar, barriers to access for people from minority backgrounds, and steps the Bar is taking to improve access, equality and diversity. The views expressed in this podcast are the contributors' own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Bar of Ireland. Intro Music: Positive Fuse - French Fuse

Eugene Deering BL argues that the "insight" clause in the 2021 Personal Injury Guidelines, reducing awards for plaintiffs suffering traumatic brain injuries, is a cause for concern. Adapted from an article published in The Bar Review Volume 27 Issue 3. Read more at: lawlibrary.ie/bar-reviews More about Eugene here: https://www.lawlibrary.ie/members/mr-eugene-deering-bl/ The views expressed in this podcast are the contributors' own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Bar of Ireland. Intro Music: Positive Fuse - French Fuse

What are the three types of temporary release from prison? How has recent case law impacted on this area? Miranda Egan Langley BL explores all this and more in this episode based on her contribution to a recent issue of The Bar Review. Adapted from an article published in The Bar Review Volume 27 Issue 3. Read more at: lawlibrary.ie/bar-reviews The views expressed in this podcast are the contributors' own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Bar of Ireland. Intro Music: Positive Fuse - French Fuse

Eoin Clifford SC speaks on how he came to practice in the wide-reaching area of tax law, recent developments in the domain, and the upcoming inaugural Tax Bar Association Conference. The Tax Bar Association Conference takes place on Saturday 8th October in Dublin, featuring talks from top practitioners in the area and members of the Judiciary. Register here: https://ti.to/BarofIreland/tba-conference The views expressed in this podcast are the contributors' own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Bar of Ireland. Intro Music: Positive Fuse - French Fuse

How does new regulation impact on Crowdfunding platforms? Brendan Guildea BL explores the the 2020 EU Crowdfunding Regulation and Statutory Instrument 702/2021. Adapted from an article published in The Bar Review Volume 27 Issue 3. Read more at: https://lawlibrary.ie/bar-reviews View Brendan's interview with TRASTRA at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0haqq7T4oI The views expressed in this podcast are the contributors' own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Bar of Ireland. Intro Music: Positive Fuse - French Fuse

On the occassion of his retirement, The Hon. Mr Justice Kevin Cross speaks to David Nolan SC, reflecting on a 36 year career at the Bar, his time at the Bench, and some of the personalities & experiences of his distinguished career. This is based on a recording from June 2021. The views expressed in this podcast are the contributors' own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Bar of Ireland. Intro music: Blank Slate - VYEN

What can we do to make the Bar more accessible? In our latest podcast in collaboration with disAbility Legal Network, Aoife McNickle BL and Silvia-Maria Crowley BL were joined by our colleagues from across the sea, Faisel Sadiq of Gatehouse Chambers and Mark Henderson of Doughty Street Chambers, to discuss what we can learn from our neighbouring jurisdiction on disability inclusion. What followed was an enlightening conversation on individual experiences, disclosure, and how barriers can be removed.

We caught up with artist Emma Stroude in her studio in Sligo. Emma is embarking on the 2022 In Plain Sight commission of Frances Kyle and Averil Deverell, who were the first women to be called to the Irish Bar in 1921. In Plain Sight is a joint initiative between The Bar of Ireland and The Honorable Society of King's Inns to increase representation of women in the law through portraiture. Learn more and contribute at lawlibrary.ie/inplainsight Intro Music: Please - Wayne Jones

Courage is the theme of Pride 2022. In this informal, free-flowing discussion, Sean O'Sullivan BL, OutLaw Network, Aoife McNickle BL, Chair of our Equality & Resilience Committee, and our colleague Amy Walsh BL discuss what it means to be LGBTQ+ at the Bar. And how any and all of us - including The Bar - can play a role. Intro Music: Tropic Fuse - French Fuse

This is an audio version of a fantastic hybrid seminar on the legal protections being proposed in respect of the Native Irish Honey Bee, held at The Bar of Ireland. As this was recorded across Zoom as well as in person, the sound quality is less than optimum, but the value of the contributions and discussion no less. Photograph by Alvesgaspar, distributed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported.

What are the accessibility barriers for people with disabilities in the legal profession? This discussion, originally recorded in December 2021, aims to enhance awareness about disabilities and to promote diversity and inclusion within the profession. Hosted by Aoife McNickle BL, chair of the Equality and Resilience Committee, the panel consists of: Silvia-Maria Crowley BL Caoimhe Grogan, Trainee solicitor at A&L Goodbody LLP and Vice-chairperson of the Steering Committee of the Disability Legal Network Matt McCann, CEO and Co-founder of Access Earth Aisling Glynn, Solicitor, McMahon & Williams Solicitors