Paul Graham:PAUL GRAHAM, often known in the Irish version as Pól Ó Gréacháin, was solicitor for much of Belfast's Irish language community. His sudden death on the day after his mother's funeral has left a gap that will be difficult to fill.
As a solicitor, he worked hard to extend the legal rights of Irish speakers in the North. He fought a High Court case on behalf of students at Coláiste Feirste (the Irish-language secondary school in Belfast) regarding their right to transport to the school.
The court ruled in his favour, though the issue continues. He was solicitor to the Cultúrlann, Belfast’s Irish-language cultural centre, and Radió Fáilte, the city’s Irish-language radio station. He also represented GAA clubs. Besides Irish, his other big legal passion was for the rights of former prisoners.
As a solicitor, clients could ring Graham at any time. He was always prepared to answer questions. He was well known for being slow to send bills – and prompt to pay what he owed. He contributed to the wider west Belfast community teaching Irish classes on a voluntary basis. He was chair of the board of governors of St Louise’s College, one of largest comprehensive schools in Europe, and chair of Cardinal O’Donnell’s GAA club.
Graham’s path was not always easy. As a teenager he was caught up in the events of the early 1970s and imprisoned. On release he studied for A levels at Belfast College of Technology, then went to Queen’s University where he completed a master’s in Irish studies.
Paul Graham was born on May 23rd, 1954, on Rockmore Road off the Falls Road in west Belfast. He was the fourth of six children to Joseph Graham, a train driver, and his wife Maureen.
After primary education at St Finian’s primary school he went to St Peter’s secondary school. There, a teacher encouraged his interest in Irish which he kept for the rest of his life.
Graham is survived by his wife Eileen; his daughters Cara and Orla; his sister Maureen; and his brothers Tony, Damian and Michael. He was predeceased by his brother Joe.
Paul Graham (Pól Ó Gréacháin): born May 23rd, 1954; died May 13th, 2012