The Supreme Court is not normally a place for spontaneous applause but Mrs Justice Catherine McGuinness left the bench for the last time yesterday with the clapping of her colleagues ringing in her ears.
Warm tributes were paid to the Supreme Court judge who retired 29 years after being called to the bar. She will continue with her work as president of the Law Reform Commission.
As well as being a judge on the Circuit, High and Supreme Court, she was involved with many State bodies and chaired the Forum on Peace and Reconciliation.
Chief Justice John Murray said her career was "singular and remarkable" for its depth and breadth. He spoke of her "rainbow of qualities", including her courage, impartiality and empathy for the underdog.
Justice Murray said she had employed her wisdom and indefatigable energy in a manner which always bore witness to the truth.
He praised Mrs McGuinness for enriching the thinking and deliberations of her colleagues on the Supreme Court bench, and said they were losing a good friend and colleague. "She is one of our great modern patriots."
Bar Council chairman Turlough O'Donnell said while her voice was quiet it was resolute.
"It has been a quiet voice for justice and for progress and for change in times of turbulence."
He said her work with the Forum on Peace and Reconciliation gave hope at a time of "absolute despair" for many.
"All of this was accomplished with intellectual brilliance, compassion, good humour and warm- heartedness."
Attorney General Rory Brady described Mrs McGuinness's career as "truly outstanding" for its dedication to public service.
He praised her "wisdom, open-mindedness and generosity, absolute patience, diligence and politeness ".
Mr Brady highlighted her "skill and diplomacy" when she chaired the Forum on Peace and Reconciliation, and said the forum had played a pivotal role in the emerging peace process.
Ken Murphy, director general of the Law Society, said Mrs McGuinness had "one of the most remarkable careers ever in Irish public life".
He praised her "kindness, graciousness and deep interest in the client as a human being".
Mrs McGuinness said she found it difficult to reply to such tributes. "I have a feeling of unreality, thinking: is this really me?" she said to laughter.
She pointed out that she had come to the bar late in life as a mature student, and said it was important that the profession encouraged people from all walks of life.
She said one of her proudest achievements was being involved with the working group that led to the setting up of the Courts Service Board.
She also welcomed the decision to appoint a family law reporter as a pilot project. This would open the family law courts to public scrutiny.
She said she felt she had arrived back at the beginning yesterday as her last judgement was the Baby Ann adoption case and she had been involved with the Adoption Board when she decided to become a barrister.
She recalled that she received dubious encouragement from Kader Asmal, barrister and former minister in South Africa.
"He said, well, you could go and devil for a year but it's most unlikely you will ever make a living from it."
Ms McGuinness spoke fondly of the "collegiality and company" and "the bit of gossip" that she experienced in the courts.
This all made for a life "that is really very happy to live", she said.
Barristers, researchers, friends and family packed into the Supreme Court to wish her well, and as she rose from the bench she was given a standing ovation.
