Sir Michael O'Loghlen

O'Loghlen, Sir Michael, Bart., a distinguished Irish judge (the first Catholic who occupied a seat on the Bench since 1688), was born in the County of Clare, in October 1789. He was called to the Irish Bar in 1811, was elected member for Dungarvan, and having filled successively the offices of Solicitor-General of Ireland in 1834, and Attorney-General in 1835, was elevated to the Irish Bench as Baron of the Exchequer in 1836. This office he relinquished on being made Master of the Rolls the following year. He was created a baronet in 1838. A consolidation of the Grand Jury Laws, and several other legal improvements, are due to his exertions. He is thus described in Sheil's Sketches, Legal and Political: "His head is large;.. his large eyes of deep blue, although not enlightened by the flashings of constitutional vivacity, carry a more professional expression, and bespeak caution, sagacity, and shyness, while his mouth exhibits a steadfast kindliness of nature, and tranquillity of temper, mixed with some love of ridicule." Sir Michael O'Loghlen died in London, 28th October 1842, aged 53. [His son, Sir Colman O'Loghlen, a somewhat prominent Irish lawyer and politician, born in 1819, died suddenly in 1877, whilst on his passage from Holy head to Kingstown.]

Sources

7. Annual Register. London, 1756-1877.

54. Burke, Sir Bernard: Peerage and Baronetage.

304. Sheil's, Richard Lalor, Sketches Legal and Political: Edited with Notes by M. W. Savage. 2 vols. London, 1855.