06 October 2021

Mr. Justice O’Donnell named as next Chief Justice

Justice Donal O’Donnell is set to become the next Chief Justice of Ireland when the current incumbent, Chief Justice Frank Clarke, retires on 10th October.

Judge O’Donnell, who hails from Belfast, has sat on the Supreme Court since 2010 having achieved the rare feat of being appointed directly from the Bar.

He is an alumnus of UCD, the King’s Inns, and the University of Virginia. Mr. Justice O’Donnell’s brother Turlough is also a Senior Counsel whilst their father, Turlough O’Donnell, was a High Court and Court of Appeal judge in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.

Chief Justice Clarke shall retire on his 70th birthday, having taken over from Ms. Justice Susan Denham in July 2017.