Tribute was paid by Mr Justice O'Flaherty yesterday in the Court of Criminal Appeal to the late Mr Justice Frank Spain, President of the Circuit Court, who died at the weekend, aged 52.
"Frank had been a shining example to us all during his years at the Bar," Mr Justice O'Flaherty said.
He said that on his appointment to the Circuit Court Mr Justice Spain had for some years been in charge of family law matters, which he had handled with great sensitivity. "Frank has gone before his time. There was much more to be achieved by one who had the intellect, the grace and the poise to bring many other plans to fruition. To his family we send our sincerest sympathy," Mr Justice O'Flaherty said.
Mr Justice Spain, whose remains were removed from St Vincent's Private Hospital yesterday evening to his home town of Naas, was appointed President of the Circuit Court in July 1991. He was 52.