The Gazette 1952-1955

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.