The Gazette 1976

GAZETTE

NE/J

1976

morally coerce him into admissions; then, if the de-

ponent still remained intransigent, every word and sen-

tence sworn to would be subjected to probing, dissec-

tion, and analysis, for the purpose of showing that there

were contradictions and improbabilities in the testi-

mony. Few partisan witnesses emerged from such a

steely scrutiny of their evidence without some part of

the

r veracity, or at least, their accuracy and reliability

having been discredited. Any attempt by a witness at

hyperbole, or humbug, or to be smart at Mr. Costello's

expense would be crushed by a few sledge hammer

questions, or dismissed by some stinging and contemp-

tuous comments.

So important is leadership in every field of endeavour

that numerous books have been published on the sub-

ject. All of these books point out that high ethical

standards, humanitarianism, good judgment and power

to make and execute decisions are the salient qualities

required for successful captaincy. It is virtually certain

that John A. Costello never had enough leisure to read

books on leadership. But his own kindly character con-

tained a combmation of the essential attributes which

enabled him instinctively to win the esteem of his

associates; in consequence he exercised leadership of a

very high order. Proof of this is to be seen in the fact

that he remained on terms of close friendship with

many Solicitors and Deputies of Dail Eireann for over

30 years; and that he was asked to head two coalition

governments. Notwithstanding that these coalition

governments under his aegis were defeated in general

elections twice, his reputation as a legal and political

chief suffered little diminution if anything it was en-

hanced by the great powers of management of men he

displayed while in office; furthermore, experienced

politicians and solicitors know well that a leader is not

a magician able to conjure governmental obstacles out

of the way at will.

To sav that he was a wit would not be entirely

correct. Nevertheless he was good humoured in disposi-

tion; and frequently amusing remarks would come

bubblingly up in the course of his conversation. Like

most busy intelligent men his jokes, sallies, and quips

were prompted by the incongruous happenings in every-

day life, and the foibles of ebullient personalities. Also,

he was very adept at contrived verbal jokes and lively

oblique remarks, which while never wounding or mali-

cious, could hit off the funny side of characters and

events very entertainingly. In Dail Eireann he used

witticisms to give point and interest to his speeches,

and to relieve the ennui of long monotonous debates.

His general manner had the great advantage of making

working with him easy, both in law and politics, which

led to the quick dispatch of business.

Making all due allowances for the fact that he

belonged to the senior branch of the profession there

are still many lessons which solicitors can learn from the

life of this great worker in the legal vinyard, and it is

not necessary to specify them, since they are so clearly-

self evident.

LATE J. A. COSTELLO, S.C.

Mr. John Aloysius Costello, Senior Counsel, died at his

home in Dublin on 7th January, 1976, aged 84 years. Mr.

Costello had been a Deputy in Dail Eireann for more

than 30 years since 1924, and had been Attorney-

Ceneral from 1926 to 1931. By agreement with the

other parties composing the Inter-Party Government,

Mr. Costello was appointed Taoiseach first from 1948

to 1951 and from 1954 to 1957. Mr. Costello was called

to the Bar in 1912, became a Senior Counsel in

1925, and became a Bencher of the King's Inns in

1926. He had been Father of the Bar for several years,

and continued to practise until the summer of 1975.

On Monday, 12th January, 1976, the Judges of the

Supreme Court and of the High Court, as well as

barristers, solicitors and Court officials, assembled in the

Supreme Court to pay tribute to the late Mr. Costello,

and to extend sympathy to his son, the Attorney

General, Mr. Declan Costello, S.C. The Chief Justice

spoke on behalf of the Judiciary and Mr. Frank

Murphy, S.C., Chairman of the Bar Council, made a

panegyric on behalf of the Bar.

Then, the President of the Society, Mr. P. C. Moore,

said :

On behalf of the Solicitors' Profession I join with you

Chief Justice and Mr. Frank Murphy in paying tribute

to a great Irishman and a distinguished Lawyer who

has passed from our midst. No words of mine are

adequate to extol the virtues and attributes of this

noble man, John A. Costello, S.C. He was beloved and

esteemed by all his colleagues in the Judiciary, at the

Bar and by Solicitors throughout the land. Those of

us who had the privilege to listen to his eloquent and

ded'cated advocacy in the cause of our Clients, will

remember him with a particular affection. His adver-

saries will also attribute to him his great integrity and

his passion for what was fair and just in the pursuit

and ascertainment of the truth.

John Costello was and is an inspiration to us all. He

believed in the Rule of Law and the upholding of uur

Institutions, particularly those concerned with the ad-

ministration of Justice.

He was a great Statesman a:, well as an outstanding

Lawyer and Advocate and he never faltered in the

pursuit of peace through justice for the achievement of

happiness, understanding and loyalty amongst all the

people of this Island.

God grant that his great heart and great mind will

not have laboured in vain.

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