Tributes paid to Limerick solicitor
Mr Holmes headed many government bodies, including the Garda Complaints Board and the Parole Board.
Mr Holmes served for many years as state solicitor for Limerick city.
As the senior figure in the firm of Holmes, O’Malley Sexton, the biggest law firm in the mid-west, his advice was sought by many international companies and business people who invested in the region.
He was a keen racegoer and his horses were trained in Croom by Andrew McNamara. He was a member of the Turf Club for a number of years.
In recognition for his work in the development of the University of Limerick, he was conferred with an honorary doctorate in 2005.
Mr Holmes served on the JP McManus Foundation, which has contributed more than €70 million to charities in the region and was also a director of the Hunt Museum.
Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Maria Byrne, in a tribute said: “I am very saddened at the passing of Gordon Holmes, a true gentleman and an outstanding Limerick citizen. As the first appointed state solicitor for Limerick city, he was a tremendous servant of Limerick holding numerous high-profile positions throughout the years including acting as solicitor to the Attorney General.
“He devoted his time, energy and expert knowledge serving on many government posts. I know personally that he took great pride in his work when he was appointed chairman of the Commission on Liquor Licensing in 2000 and presided over the reports that were subsequently issued.”
Mr Holmes is survived by his wife, Hilary, and his children, Keith, Gordon, Melanie and Valerie.
