The Gazette 1995

GAZETTE

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 1995

remember his exhaustive knowledge of horseracing - if ever there was a round peg for the round hole it is Noel as CEO of the Irish Horseracing Authority. My only concern is that his love of the racing game will not now be diminished by reason of his professional involvement in it. My reflection on Noel as a singer is tinged with a sense of lost opportunity. His departure from the Society has accidently coincided with the coming into office of both President Paddy Glynn and Senior Vice-President Andy Smyth, the only similarly gifted singers

Personally, my abiding memories of Noel will revolve around the Solicitors Bill. Together with Mary Keane the three of us had many an interesting and good-humoured session debating and drafting a proposed change to the Bill. invaluable, as was his ability to present the arguments for the proposed change to the same Department. In a more social context, a great many of us will fondly remember Noel's wide-ranging ability (and stamina) as a singer. A more elite number of us will Barristers and solicitors joined together in the Christmas spirit by holding a mulled wine reception in the Kings Inns on Friday 16 December. The function was a fundraising event for CLASP (Concerned Lawyers Association for the Alleviation of Social Problems). The guest of honour at the function was American Ambassador, Jean Kennedy- Smith. The function was attended by Paddy Glynn, President of the Law Society. The main support up to now comes from the Law Library. Paddy Glynn would like to see more solicitors getting involved. The current Chairman of CLASP is Murrough O 'Rourke, Solicitor and there are some solicitors on the Committee. John de Vere White conducted an auction of a variety of items including a Mick Mulcahy painting. He was assisted by Senior Counsel James O 'Driscoll. Irish Solicitors Bar Association London Ball (Continued from page 26) A very special word of thanks is due to Greenaways, (who are also the printers to the Queen!) who agreed to produce the programme for our Ball free of charge. They also produced a stunning souvenir programme, which I am sure was much appreciated by those who had taken advertisements in it and it will CLASP was founded six years ago to help in the alleviation of social Noel's Department of Justice experience in this respect was

I on the Council. What a trio they would ' have made at bar association functions | around the country! In concluding, I also wish to pay tribute to Noel's wife Una - ever good- •! humoured and ever-tolerant of the many late nights that were part and

parcel of Noel's life as Director i General and also his children, in

particular the youngest, Katie, whose presence at annual conferences was a joy for young and old alike.

Michael V. O'Mahony

•

Conce rned Lawyers Raise Funds

At the reception organised by CLASP were l-r: Murrough O'Rourke, Chairman, CLASP; Jean Kennedy-Smith, American Ambassador and Patrick A. Glynn, President, Law Society.

raiser earlier this year.

problems. To date Focus Point, St. Vincent's Trust, Exchange House and the Merchant's Quay Project are among the charities who have received funding from CLASP. The Salvation Army's Granby Centre (off Dorset Street) received over £13,000 which helped house 100 people from one fund

Patrons of CLASP include Mr. Justice Hugh O'Flaherty, Judge Patrick Smith and Judge Liam Devally. If you would like to get involved with CLASP or make a contribution contact: Patricia Madigan, Tel: 702 4524. • cement existing professional links in a convivial and legally-orientated setting. For those of you who do not have clients or practice links in London, it is still a very enjoyable evening for a good cause and could be combined with a shopping trip or a visit to friends in London. Our 1995 Ball will be advertised in the Gazette well in advance! The best news of all is that the Ball succeeded in raising about £3,000 for the NSPCC's Refuge. •

have provided a nice souvenir of the evening for others.

Finally, I would like to take the opportunity to persuade other Irish solicitors to come to our Ball next year. For those who have clients in London or who receive referral work from London firms, it provides an ideal opportunity for practice development. I have been assured by Irish firms who have taken tables at the Ball that it is very useful for practice development to be able to

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