'Profound sadness' as Donegal court mourns death of barrister, Donal Keane

Tributes have been paid at Letterkenny courthouse to leading barrister, Mr Donal Keane, BL, who has died.

Mr Keane, who was the State Prosecutor in Co Leitrim and regularly appeared at courts in Donegal, passed away suddenly following a brief illness.

A barrister since 1992, Mr Keane practised on both the Midland and Northern court circuits.

Judge Ciaran Liddy led tributes to the late Mr Keane saying it was with "profound sadness" that the court paid tribute to their esteemed colleague.

He told a sitting of Letterkenny District Court: "A barrister of exceptional character and ability, Donal exemplified the finest qualities of our profession.

"Throughout his distinguished career, he was more than a legal advocate. He was a gentleman, whose kindness, integrity and pleasant disposition left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.

"He had balance, insight and a deep understanding of not just the law but also of the case in hand."

Judge Liddy said Mr Keane was not just a colleague but a friend to the profession, ever willing to offer guidance, share his wisdom, and support his peers in moments of need.

He said: "Donal will be remembered not only for his sharp legal mind but also for the grace and humility with which he carried himself. In court, he was an advocate of fairness; in life, he was a model of decency and compassion.

"As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate a life well-lived - a life dedicated to the legal profession and the enrichment of all those around him.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Frederique and their children, family, friends , and all who knew and admired him. May he rest in peace."

Barrister Niall O'Neill BL, said the late Mr Keane was a friend of his and he actually sat across from Donal in the law library.

He described the late Mr Keane as a "very effective barrister" saying he would try to resolve matters when they could be resolved but that he would always fight on behalf of his client.

"He was an example to all about how to be a good barrister. He was excellent at what he did. I was involved in many cases with him, both family law and criminal cases. He was always person who was easy to get along with.

"I had an awful lot of respect for him as a barrister.”

He said they often went for coffee with Mr Keane and that he enjoyed his company and his stories but always "valued his advice."

"He was such a positive man and I shall certainly miss him," Mr O'Neill said.

Solicitor Mr Frank Dorrian spoke on behalf of the local solicitors.

He said he had known Mr Keane for many years as their fathers had been friends and that he had been to university with Mr Keane's brother.

He referred to the "practical and calm approach" Mr Keane had always displayed in court but said he will always be remembered for his "humour, knowledge and accuracy."

He added that Mr Keane never used excessive words but always got his message across clearly in court.

Mr Dorrian said that he never heard a complaint from any of his colleagues about Mr Keane.

"He will be greatly missed as he presented as a kind, decent and proper colleague," he added.

State solicitor for Donegal, Mr Kieran Dillon, said he wished to be associated with all the previous remarks about Mr Keane.

He said: "I knew Mr Keane very well and this is just a sad day. I just want to agree with everything that was said here today. He will be missed."

Manager of the Courts Service in Letterkenny, Mr Geoffrey McGonagle, spoke on behalf of the courts service and the staff at Letterkenny courthouse.

He said: "I would also like to be associated with all the kind words that were said this morning about Donal Keane. I would like to offer our thoughts and prayers to Donal's family at this difficult time.

"We got to know Donal well in the past year as he was assigned here for a lengthy case and he was always a gentleman to deal with. Finally, I would like to extend our sympathies to Donal's colleagues and friends at this difficult time."

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State prosecuting barrister for Donegal, Ms Fiona Crawford, BL, has also paid tribute to Mr Keane.

Ms Crawford said: "Donal was an absolute gentleman, he was such a decent person and a fine lawyer. A farmer really at heart. As a colleague he was level headed and unflappable and always in good form.

"Always a pleasure having the chats in The Quiet Moment. It is a sad and sudden loss and sympathies are with Frederique and the family."