Northern Ireland

Tributes paid to journalist turned leading barrister Michael Keogh (72)

Tributes have been paid to Michael Keogh, a former journalist and leading barrister, who has died aged 72
Tributes have been paid to Michael Keogh, a former journalist and leading barrister, who has died aged 72 Tributes have been paid to Michael Keogh, a former journalist and leading barrister, who has died aged 72

THE funeral took place yesterday of Co Down journalist turned barrister Michael Keogh.

Leading figures from media and legal circles, including Liam McCollum QC, chairman of the Northern Ireland Bar, and Ken McMahon QC, were among mourners who packed into St Mary's Star of the Sea Church, Rostrevor.

Described as "very successful and highly respected", Mr Keogh (72) died on Monday following an illness.

Originally from Newry, he was the son of Michael Keogh, known as Max, a nationalist MP for South Down and editor of the Frontier Sentinel.

Solicitor Rory McShane, a friend for more than 50 years, joined Brendan Keenan of the Irish Independent in delivering a eulogy yesterday, reflecting the journalism and legal aspects of his life.

Mr McShane told how Mr Keogh had enjoyed an exemplary legal career, appearing in some of the highest courts in the UK and Ireland.

"After studying a mathematics degree at Queen's University, he taught for some time before becoming a journalist at The Irish News during the 1960s," he said.

"He moved to the Irish Times in Dublin as a sub editor. Obviously the shifts meant he had all day to himself so he began a degree in philosophy at Trinity, gaining a first class honours.

"He became a scholar in philosophy at Trinity, I think the first to become a scholar in around 25 years, and the philosophy department asked him to write a doctorate on the philosophy of writs.

"To fully understand it, he returned to Trinity to study law and so enamoured he was, he decided to practise law and was called to the Bar in Dublin.

"He was persuaded to come north and enjoyed a legal career of around 20 years appearing in the highest courts, including the Supreme Court in Dublin and House of Lords in London.

"A talented pianist, he had a great interest in current affairs. Journalism was in his blood, but he became a very successful and highly respected barrister."

Mr Keogh is survived by his wife Leontia and children Judith, Nicolas and Jill.