Bar of Ireland marks 100 years since first female barristers

Frances Kyle BL and Averil Deverell BL were the first women to be called to the Irish Bar on November 1, 1921

Chair of the Council of The Bar of Ireland Maura McNally SC: 'Over the course of the last 100 years, women have taken their place as achievers and leaders of Irish society, and in the field of justice and law.' Picture: Conor McCabe Photography

As the Bar of Ireland celebrates the centenary anniversary of the first female barristers in Ireland, 100 years later, females remain under-represented, particularly in senior positions.

In 1919, the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919 enabled women to join the legal, accountancy and veterinary professions, and also take up senior roles within the civil service for the first time.