Patrick MacEntee was one of the highest-profile criminal lawyers in Ireland, acting in a series of major Troubles cases in Dublin’s Special Criminal Court during his celebrated career.
The Monaghan-born barrister appeared in cases relating to the murder of Lord Louis Mountbatten, the kidnapping of supermarket boss Don Tidey, the Sallins Train robbery and the killing of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe.
He was also as defence lawyer for Malcolm Macarthur, who killed nurse Bridie Gargan in Dublin’s Phoenix Park, and Catherine Nevin who was convicted of the murder of her husband Tom in the Co Wicklow pub Jack White’s Inn,
He was appointed Senior Counsel in 1982 and also took silk in Northern Ireland.
Later he was asked to lead a commission of inquiry into the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings, which resulted in the worst loss of life during the Troubles.
His final report was produced in 2007 and identified a series of failings.
With a reputation as a fearsome cross-examiner and master of detail, when asked why he appeared in so many notorious cases he said: “I have the same attitude as a taxi driver at a rank, first come first served.”
His funeral in Rathmines, Dublin heard that he had not been afraid to provide advocacy for “the sick, the unattractive, the downright nasty and the damaged”.
Those who “test the system” are those who most need advocacy, Fr Thomas O’Connor said.
Born in Monaghan town in 1936, Patrick MacEntee studied at University College Dublin, where he was involved in the drama society, skills he would put to good use during his career at the Bar.
Outside law, he was heavily involved in cultural pursuits including as a trustee of the literary estate of Patrick Kavanagh, whom he knew.
He died aged 89 was buried at Latlurcan Cemetery in Co Monaghan on January 18.