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GAZETTE
JULY/AUGUST
198
ERIC A. PLUNKETT,
Secretary/Registrar, Incorporated Law
Society of Ireland 1942—73
Eric A. Plunkett, Solicitor, who died on 20 June, 1983
had been Secretary of the Incorporated Law Society of
Ireland for thirty-one years when he retired in 1973. He
succeeded William George Wakely who had held the office
for fifty-four years. It was remarkable that the service of
those two good men to the Society between them spanned
eighty-five years.
At the Charter Centenary Dinner of the Society in 1952
the late Arthur Cox, the then President, in proposing a
toast to Eric Plunkett said "I spoke to-night of Mr.
Wakely. He died about ten years ago and it was then that
Eric Plunkett succeeded him. At that time we certainly
thought that Mr. Wakely would never be replaced, but it is
no reflection on Mr. Wakely to say we have secured a
treasure, only those who have taken some small part in the
preparation of the Centenary can know all that Eric
Plunkett has done." For the Society Centenary, Eric
produced a record of the Society and contributed to it a
most erudite article entitled 'Attorneys and Solicitors in
Ireland'.
It was small wonder that as well as the President and
Council, many past Presidents and members of the Society
were present to/pay tribute when Father Jack McDonald
S.J., Eric's brother-in-law celebrated the funeral Mass.
For many it seemed like the passing of an era for the legal
profession.
When Eric was appointed there were just 1,000
Solicitors on the Roll and the members steadily increased
until today there are 3,500.
Down the arches of the years Eric quickly, efficiently
and apparently almost effortlessly discharged the ever-
increasing diverse duties of his difficult office. He not only
faithfully served his colleagues but also impartially served
the public when required to pursue complaints requiring
disciplinary action. He had the ability to serve two masters.
In 1968 the Twelfth Conference of the International Bar
Association was hosted in Dublin attended by some twelve
hundred conferees and their wives. The great success of
the Conference was largely due to Eric's advance work of
preparation and his organising ability.
He always maintained close liaison with the Law
Societies of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland and
was responsible for building up excellent rapport which
exists with these Bodies today.
Eric's position necessitated attendance at many social
functions particularly at Bar Association Dinners through-
out the country, and these he obviously enjoyed. Being
ever of a cheerful disposition, he always enjoyed good
fellowship.
Eric was educated at Belvedere College and the National
University and was in private practice until his appoint-
ment to the Society in 1942. He became a member of the
St. Stanislaus Conference of the St. Vincent de Paul
Society attached to Belvedere College and remained active
in the Society all his life. He was also a Trustee and
Director of the Solicitors' Benevolent Association and
regularly attended its monthly meetings. He was present at
a meeting a few days before his death. He will be a great
loss to these two Charities. He will also be long
remembered with gratitude and affection by his colleagues
who have lost a real friend. It is hoped that these few lines
of tribute will in some small way convey our sense of loss to
Eric's dear wife, Stella and his children Arthur, Collette,
Eric and Stella whom he so loved and be a little consolation
to them at this time. May this good man rest in peace.
E. McC.
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