Mayo judge expresses sympathy following 'heartbreaking' death of young barrister

Tributes were paid to a young Mayo barrister who had a bright future and ‘potential in spades’ but passed away on New Year's Day after a long illness.

Kiltimagh native, Darragh McDarragh was just 30 years old when he died on New Year's Day after an illness which he bore with 'courage and dignity' over a ten year period. He was called to the bar in 2021 and practised on the Western Circuit.

Tributes were paid to Mr McDonagh at today's sitting of Castlebar District Court where he was described as an extremely bright and intelligent young man who had excellent prospects in life.

Tributes were paid to Kiltimagh barrister Darragh McDonagh RIP

Barrister Diarmuid Connolly, who tutored Mr McDonagh said it was a heart-breaking experience to stand at his graveside and see him laid to rest at such a young age.

“To have stood at the graveyard in Kiltimagh last Sunday as the sun was setting and bathed the graveyard in golden light was an absolutely heartbreaking experience to see my former pupil being laid to rest at a mere 30 years of age. One of the greatest injustices is cutting short potential and Mr McDonagh had potential in absolute spades. He was an intelligent and bright man with good humour and a talented musician and reader and wishing someone happy new year is almost bankrupt and meaningless,” he said.

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Mr Connolly commented that Mr McDonagh had travelled to Germany to receive treatment but got an infection at the run up to Christmas which he said was devastating for his family and everyone who knew him.

Judge Sandra Murphy said she knew Mr McDonagh as a young boy and he had spent time in their solicitors office when he was a TY student.

“He was an extremely bright and intelligent young man who had an ambition to have a career in law from a very young age and it is heartbreaking to think his life has been struck down. He bore his illness for ten years with courage and dignity.

“He had an extremely bright future ahead of him and it is extremely heart breaking for everybody that he wasn't able to have the opportunity he should have had,” she said.

Judge Murphy expressed her sympathy to his parents John and Marie and brothers Cathal and Ronan and they were in her thoughts and prayers.

Condolences were also extended to Ballina-based solicitor Denis Molloy on the sudden death of his son, Dr Conor Molloy who passed away unexpectedly in his home in Dublin on December 19.

Dr Conor Molloy RIP

Judge Murphy expressed her sympathies to Mr Molloy and his wife Phil and their children James and Olga on their sad loss.

“It is a heart breaking loss for their family and happening at Christmas is particularly difficult for everybody. It is a loss which is immeasurable for his family,” she said.

Mr Gary Mulchrone, President of the Mayo Solicitors Bar Association also expressed his condolences to Mr Molloy and his family and added the support of his colleagues are there for them at this difficult time.

Sympathies were also expressed to the families of Mr McDonagh and Mr Molloy on behalf of An Garda Síochána and the court service.