News

Tributes paid to respected Belfast solicitor Gerry Daly

Tributes have been paid to Belfast solicitor Gerry Daly
Tributes have been paid to Belfast solicitor Gerry Daly Tributes have been paid to Belfast solicitor Gerry Daly

THE funeral is due to take place today of a highly respected Belfast solicitor who died just weeks after his wedding.

Tributes have been paid to Gerry Daly (58), managing partner of Francis Hanna and Company, who was described as an "extremely industrious solicitor".

Mr Daly began his legal career with the firm in 1975 when he was just 17 and remained with the company until his death on December 30 specialising in employment law, regulatory work and litigation.

He had only celebrated his wedding to partner Rosie on December 15 with a photograph of the couple signing the marriage register posted on social media by the law firm.

Martin Hanna, a partner in the company, paid tribute to Mr Daly describing him as an "accomplished advocate".

"He started work as a junior clerk but quickly realised that he himself wanted to practice law," he said.

"He set about obtaining further qualifications to prepare him for higher education and he obtained a certificate in Accident Compensation Law from Queen’s University Belfast.

"He then commenced his apprenticeship in 1986 and qualified from the Institute of Professional Legal Studies. He was admitted to the Roll of Solicitors in 1990.

"Gerry was an extremely industrious solicitor and became a partner in the practice at the earliest possible opportunity. He never left the firm and had over 41 years of loyal service and has been managing partner since 2000.

"Gerry's specialist areas were in the fields of employment law, regulatory work, and litigation. He was an accomplished advocate preferring at all times to do his own advocacy rather than instructing Counsel.

"He took pride in his straight talking style and pragmatic approach to problem solving."

Mr Daly also acted on behalf of the Law Society of Northern Ireland, undertaking referrals to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal and was elected as a council member of the Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce in 2016.

Requiem Mass for Mr Daly will be held at St Gerard's Church, Antrim Road today at 9.30am followed by burial at Roselawn Cemetery.

He is survived by his beloved wife Rosie and children, Danielle, Tony and Dominique.