Terry Lyons: Terry Lyons, who has died aged 54, was one of the finest criminal lawyers of his generation. He was involved in many high-profile trials but made his name through the several thousand criminal cases he handled both at first instance and on appeal. His hard work, professionalism, an effortless charm and impeccable dress sense won him the admiration of colleagues, clients and judiciary alike.
He maintained a hectic schedule and was available 24 hours a day. He was a familiar figure around the Four Courts, dashing from Courts 4, 5 and 6 in the Bridewell, then to the Round Hall for bail applications and from there to the Children's Court and Kilmainham. Afternoons were spent in Mountjoy, Arbour Hill, Cloverhill and Portlaoise.
In the evenings and into the night he could be found in the Bridewell advising clients charged with offences ranging from minor public order breaches to rape, theft, grievous bodily harm and murder. His legal research was meticulous, his technical knowledge vast, and he thoroughly investigated every aspect of the cases he took on.
He was a passionate believer in the right to silence and freedom of choice in the nomination of lawyers, and his experience of criminal law convinced him that everyone, no matter what their circumstances, was entitled to the best possible legal representation.
He was a fearless advocate on behalf of his clients and defended their rights to the hilt. He had many orders of the District Court quashed through judicial review in cases where he felt he was being impeded in his representation of clients. He never hesitated to challenge members of the Bench where he perceived an injustice.
Born in Athlone, Co Westmeath, he was the son of Francis and Mary Lyons. He attended Marian College, Sandymount, and studied arts at University College Dublin. On completing his studies he emigrated to North America, where he worked at a variety of jobs in New York and Montreal, at one stage driving a taxi.
Having saved enough money to finance further education, he returned to Ireland to commence legal studies at UCD. Apprenticed to Patrick Madigan, Donnybrook, he qualified as a solicitor in 1980 and set up his own practice in St Mary's Abbey. Although he had no legal background, he had huge optimism and sound business instincts - qualities that served him well in his career. In time, his became the biggest single criminal law practice in Dublin, and in 1991 moved to custom-built offices on Arran Quay.
Five years ago he set up an immigration department to deal with the increasing number of refugee and asylum law cases that were handled by his practice. As well as acting for asylum-seekers in the Refugee Appeals Tribunal and in the High Court, he formed links with NGOs and co-operated with them in organising seminars on immigration law.
He had a great enthusiasm for life. He particularly enjoyed music and played both the guitar and piano. He played tennis and exercised regularly, cycling long distances before starting work. Typically, he relished the challenge of the Wicklow 200, an endurance test rather than a race over 200km across the Dublin and Wicklow mountains.
He was extremely generous, and one particular school in Cabra benefited from regular donations towards books and pupils' outings. His warm personality made him many friends among his colleagues in the legal profession. A devoted husband and father, he is survived by his wife, Patricia, daughters, Rachel and Sophie, and son, David.
Terry Lyons: born March 1st, 1950; died December 10th, 2004