Tributes have been paid to Judge Denis McLoughlin of the District Court after his sudden death on Thursday aged 62.
Judge McLoughlin was assigned to Cavan-Monaghan district. He was appointed to the bench in 2007, having worked for 22 years previously as a solicitor, with a practice in Balbriggan, north Co Dublin.
Judge Paul Kelly, president of the District Court, was shocked and saddened to learn of his death, saying he served with diligence and skill. The late judge was “a friend to many of us in the District Court”, he said.
“Quietly spoken, the epitome of courtesy, and compassionate, he was everything a good judge should be,” Judge Kelly said.
“He had a fine legal mind, and tempered his judgments with common sense and a deep understanding of the human condition. He was always on hand to offer advice and guidance, especially to newly appointed colleagues, and he was great company on social occasions.”
Mary Arnold, a solicitor in Skerries, Co Dublin, who worked with him for many years before he joined the bench, described him as a gentleman.
“He was wonderful colleague,” Ms Arnold said, adding that she was speaking for all in the legal community in Balbriggan and Skerries.
“He was a fun-loving man. Denis was always somebody you wanted to meet.”
He is survived by his wife, Marie, and three sons.