New judge for High Court

The Government today nominated Brian McGovern SC for appointment by the President as a judge of the High Court.

Mr McGovern attended Castleknock College, Dublin, and obtained a Bachelor of Civil Law from University College Dublin in 1971.

He was called to the Bar in 1972 and became a Senior Counsel in 1991. He has developed an extensive practice in Dublin and the midland circuit.

As a Junior Counsel, Mr McGovern had a mixed general practice, and appeared for the DPP in the Circuit Criminal Court, the Central Criminal Court and the Special Criminal Court. He also represented Total Compagnie Francaise de Navigation at the major enquiry looking into the sinking of the 'Betelgeuse' at Whiddy Island in 1979.

As a Senior Counsel, Mr McGovern had a mixed practice in civil work, with a speciality in admiralty/maritime work as well as medical negligence, commercial, landlord and tenant and personal Injury.

Mr McGovern is currently president of the Irish Maritime Law Association and has represented the IMLA at international conferences.