Deposited Collections

Biographical History

Born in Bray, County Wicklow, educated at Synge Street Christian Brothers and UCD graduating in Celtic Studies, he was called to the Bar in 1934 as well as serving as Irish language editor of the Irish Press from its foundation in 1931. Made Senior Counsel in 1945; served as Attorney-General in two Fianna Fáil governments, 1946–48 and 1951–53; judge of the Supreme Court, 1953 and Chief Justice 1961.

He became Ireland’s representative to the European Court on the country’s accession to the EEC in 1972 but returned to become President of Ireland in 1974 after the sudden death of Erskine Childers. He resigned in controversial circumstances in 1976 after the Minister for Defence publicly criticised his action in referring an emergency powers bill to the Supreme Court to test its constitutionality.

An immensely cultured man, his influence as a member of the Supreme Court and as Chief Justice, in developing the profile of the Court as guardian of constitutional rights, was significant.

Archival History 

This collection was donated to UCD Archives by Bean Uí Dálaigh, wife of Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh, in two parts. The first on 26 September 1980 and the second on 24 April 1981. 

Scope and Content

Papers relating to his legal career including his appointment as Attorney General (1946–8) and his involvement in the drafting of the British Nationality Bill (1947); his membership of the Supreme Court (1953–61) and period as Chief Justice (1961–73) with correspondence relating to procedural matters, individual judgements, and proposed amendments to the rules on insanity and the introduction of the concept of diminished responsibility (1955–69); the provision of training for the legal profession (1962–73); and his appointment as Irish representative at the European Court of Justice (1972–4).

Material concerning his nomination and inauguration as President of Ireland (1974) and his attendance at literary, artistic, cultural and public occasions, with copies of speeches and related notes (1974–6) and correspondence with members of the public. Material relating to official visits to France, Luxembourg and Belgium (1975). Correspondence and statements concerning the kidnapping of Dr Tiede Herrema (1975). Correspondence, memoranda and notes concerning the constitutionality of the Emergency Powers Bill (1976) and submissions to the Supreme Court. Correspondence relating to his resignation (1976) and notes on the failure of the Taoiseach, Liam Cosgrave, to keep him properly informed. Correspondence with P. Donegan, Minister for Defence. Letters from supporters.

Material relating to his involvement with various governmental, cultural, legal and charitable bodies and institutions including the Commission on Higher Education (1963–73), Income Tax Committee (1959–65), Pere Pire Displaced Persons Society (1959–72), Irish Commission for Justice and Peace (1970–2), the Cultural Relations Committee of the Department of Foreign Affairs (1954–70), the National Theatre Society Ltd. (1965–76), the Seán Ó Riada Foundation (1974), Irish United Nations Association (1959–68), Irish National Council on Alcoholism (1968–74), Amnesty International (1973–7) and the Irish Council for Overseas Students (1970–6).

Personal correspondence with friends and associates including Eamon de Valera, John Charles McQuaid, Bertie McVeagh [Court of Appeal, Northern Ireland], Sean MacBride, William Cardinal Conway, Lord Hailsham, John D. Sheridan and Billy Graham (1951–70).

Material relating to literary, artistic and cultural matters including correspondence with the Arts Council, Seán Ó Riada, George Otto Simms, John O’Donovan, and Sybil le Brocquy (1954–74); and related notes and speeches (1962–74).

Press cuttings, photographs and printed matter.

• Access: Available by appointment to holders of a UCD Archives reader's ticket. Produced for consultation in microform.
• Language: English and Irish.
• Finding aid: Descriptive catalogue