Today, the newly elected Bar Council takes effect following elections earlier this July. The Council will continue to be led by Seán Guerin SC in his second year as Chair of the Council of The Bar of Ireland.
Seán will continue to serve as Chair of the Council from 8 September 2025 until [X] September 2026. The Council’s work will be supported by eight permanent committees and five non-permanent committees, each tasked with advancing and deliberating on the ongoing priorities of the Law Library. These priorities include, but are not limited to, education and training, professional practice, public affairs, and human rights.
On his re-election, he said
I am honoured to continue serving as Chair of the Bar Council for the 2025–2026 legal year. As we look ahead, the Council remains committed to addressing the evolving challenges facing our profession—particularly in the areas of policy, regulation, and technology. Together with my colleagues on the Council and the many members who generously contribute their time and expertise through our committees, we will work to ensure that the Bar continues to thrive as a vital and independent voice within the justice system.
Engagement with our members and other participants in the justice system—including the judiciary, Government, Department of Justice, Courts Service, and the solicitor’s profession—will be central to our continuing efforts to ensure a justice system that is fair, effective, and fit for purpose.
I also wish to acknowledge the dedication of our members and express my appreciation for their contribution to the Council’s work.
Seán is joined by Darren Lehane SC as Vice Chair and Séamus Clarke SC as Treasurer. The Council of 25 [including Rossa Fanning SC, Attorney General] features nine first-time members of the Council, for the 2025-2026 term.
Inner Bar Panel:
- Seán Guerin SC – Chair
- Darren Lehane SC – Vice Chair
- Séamus Clarke SC – Treasurer
- Sara Antoniotti SC
- Derek Sheahan SC (New)
- Bairbre O’Neill SC (New)
- Michael C O’Connor SC (New)
- Michael D Hourigan SC
- Rossa Fanning SC Attorney General
Outer Bar Panel:
- James Cross BL
- Aoife O’Leary BL
- Cliona Cleary BL
- Tim O’ Connor BL
- Femi Daniyan BL
- Tim O’Connor BL
- Tanya Smith BL
- Tabitha Wood SC
- Fiachra Breathnach BL (New)
- Simon Donagh BL (New)
Co-Optees:
- Susan Ahearn SC (New)
- Elizabeth-Ann Kirwan BL (New)
- Aislinn Finnegan BL (New)
- Elizabeth Gormley BL (New)
Further details on The Council and the membership of the various committees can be found here.