7 / 266
Mr. James J. Lynch, o f Kells,' served as President
in 1933-34 and retired from the Council some years
ago after many years of valuable service on the
Council and its Committees.
Mr. Basil Thompson, President in 1927-28 had
retired from the Council before I joined it, but to
me he had always been a kind, good and helpful
friend. Mr. Huggard, a former Vice-President, died
while still a member o f the Council. His memory
will long be treasured by his colleagues.
Mr. Ruttledge played a leading part in the
momentous years of the establishment of the Irish
State. He held office as a Minister of State for a
long period and continued till his death to be a
Member of the Dail. In these high offices he added
lustre to the profession.
He was an ex-Auditor
of the Debating Society. As a fellow student and
friend I personally mourn his loss.
May the Eternal Light shine upon them all.
I
am indeed happy to say that my immediate
predecessor, Mr. Roger Greene, who did so much
service, is making progress towards recovery from
his long illness. I am sure that all will join in wishing
him an early restoration to good health.
New Library
I should like to open what I have to say by
referring to what you will all have noticed, and I
hope approved. I refer to the conversion of the
Hall into the Library o f the Society. The storied
wisdom of the ages which now lines our walls adds
I think not only to our learning, but also to the
dignity o f our surroundings. It is, I think, now a
meeting, place worthy o f our Society.
Centenary o f Charter
Before attempting to deal with the various
matters of interest to us which have arisen since
the- Annual General Meeting o f last year, I should
like to say that the arrangements for the celebration
o f the Centenary of the Society are well advanced.
As you all know, they will commence with the
Reception by the Council on Tuesday evening,
27th May. This will take place in the Central Hall
o f the Four Courts and in our own building. I
should like to thank the Chief Justice and the
Commissioners o f Public Works for their kind
permission.
In its long story the Four Courts
have seen much o f the history o f the country enacted
within their walls. I hope, that this happy occasion
will be remembered for long as one o f the brightest
moments in that lengthy chronicle. It is to be hoped
that every solicitor who can possibly manage to
do so will come. We shall have the honour and
pleasure of entertaining the heads o f other Law
Societies as well as very many o f our good friends
from whom we have received so many kindnesses.
After the Reception the Solicitors Apprentices
Debating Society hold their Dance at the Gresham
Hotel. Many of those who attend the Reception
will I trust go on to the dance. I should like to
congratulate the Debating Society on their decision
to join their youth in this celebration o f our age.
The following day, Wednesday 28th May, will
see the principal events o f the celebration. In the
morning there will be a Solemn Votive Mass at
the Pro-Cathedral by the gracious permission of
the Archbishop, and I am happy to say that His
Excellency the Nuncio will also be present. At
the same hour there will be a service in St. Patrick’s
Cathedral.
After this dedication o f the Society, the General
Meeting will be held in this Hall at 12 o’clock. All
members who can possibly do so should attend. The
Chief Justice, the Attorney General, the Govern
ment and the representatives of the Law Societies
have promised to come. This also will, therefore,
be an event to remember. Strictly speaking, it
might be called the very heart o f the celebration.
In the afternoon the President of Ireland has more
than graciously and kindly invited us to the garden
party he is generously giving at the Phoenix Park.
It is a very great gratification to all of us that the
head o f our country should honour our Society in
such a manner. I f I may venture to say so, this act
on his part is merely anotter proof o f the un
selfishness with which he h a ; always done what has
been fitting and gracious. We are indeed honoured
by his recognition o f our Society.
That evening our celebrations will end with the
Dinner, at the Gresham Hotel. It is to be regretted
that notwithstanding the great accommodation
which the Hotel can offer, the numbers to be seated
are such that we have perforce had to limit in a way
we would not have wished, the number o f our
guests as indeed the number o f our own members.
In particular, it is to be regretted, that ladies other
than members of the Society, cannot be accom
modated. I hope, however, that they will understand
why this has to be so. The reception, the dance,
and the garden party must be our excuse.
The preparations for the centenary have meant a
good deal of hard work. Most of it has as usual
fallen to the lot of Mr. Eric Plunkett, whom we
must thank for this as for so much else. But all
have done their part. It is invidious to thank
individuals where everyone has helped, but I must
perhaps single out our two Vice-Presidents and
Mr. Quirke for very special thanks. But every man
has done more than his best.