Tributes to late Conor Breen

DUNDALK born solicitor Conor Breen, who passed away aged 56 on February 22 was remembered as a very popular, hard working and diligent lawyer in tributes paid at last week’s District Court.

Speaking on behalf of his fellow solicitors in Dundalk, Mr Frank McDonnell said that while Mr Breen’s death was not unexpected, it was sudden and came as a shock to everyone who knew him. He had qualified as a solicitor in 1985 and was a partner in McDonough and Breen, where he was principal for a number of years. It was a great source of pride to him that his son Niall and daughter Cliona had followed his footsteps into the legal profession.

Mr Breen had been a master of many legal disciplines and was equally at home in the High Court or the Labour Court. He had endless empathy and energy, was a hard worker and very diligent. He made for a very formidable advocate in court and was always well briefed and well prepared, and looked after his clients’ interests. He was also a fair man and was a great loss to the legal profession, to his colleauges and staff, and the administers of law in the north east. He would be greatly missed and well remembered.

Mr McDonnell offered his condolences to Mr Breen’s wife, father, children and extended family.

Barrister Mr Ciaran Oaks BL described Mr Breen as ‘a very distinguished lawyer’ who had many friends, saying that people ‘ had a real fondness for him,’ and he was ‘great craic’ out of court. He was someone with ‘ the very finest qualities’ and was a great loss to Co Louth and the general public. He offered his condolences to the Breen family on behalf of the Bar Association.

Speaking on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Fergus Mullen remembered Mr Breen as ‘a formidable opponent and a great colleague’ who would be sorely missed and always remember.

Mr Padraig Duffy offered condolences on behalf of the Drogheda Bar Association said Mr Breen was ‘a lovely, lovely man’ who would be fondly remembered.

County Register Mairead Ahern extended sympathy to Mr Breen’s family on behalf of the court staff. He was, she said ‘a true professional as a solicitor, always strong, dogged in his representation of clients, and well regarded by everyone.’ He was proud that his legacy of honesty, professionalism and integrity was being carried on by his son and daughter, who were both a huge credit to him.

Inspector Martin Beggy, on behalf of the Garda Siochana, said Mr Breen was ‘a very courteous and professional gentleman and easy to deal with.’

Ms Sheena Norton, offered condolences on behalf of the Probation Service,

Judge Patria McDonnelly, speaking on behalf of the Circuit Court board described Mr Bren as ‘ a man of outstanding qualities and abilities.’

Judge Gerard Haughton said that while he didn’t know Mr Breen personally, he knew that the resident Judge Flann Brennan would have loved to have been there to pay tribute to Mr Breen who was obviously ‘an extraordinary man in legal and personal terms’.

Mr Niall Breen thanked all those who had paid tribute to his father and said he would do his utmost to carry on his legacy.