Cian Ferriter
{{short description|Irish barrister, High Court judge}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2022}}
{{Use Hiberno-English|date=February 2022}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific-prefix = The Hon. Mr. Justice
| name = Cian Ferriter
| image =
| office = Judge of the High Court
| term_start = 5 October 2021
| term_end =
| nominator = Government of Ireland
| appointer = Michael D. Higgins
| birth_date =
| birth_place =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| nationality = Irish
| party =
| spouse =
| children =
| education = St Benildus College
| alma_mater = {{Ubl|University College Dublin|King's Inns}}
| signature =
|}}
Cian Ferriter is an Irish judge and lawyer who has served as a Judge of the High Court since October 2021. He previously practiced as a barrister specialising in commercial and media law.
Early life
Ferriter attended secondary school at St Benildus College in Kilmacud, County Dublin, until 1986.{{cite news |title=St Benildus at 40 . . . celebrating the best education money can't buy |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/st-benildus-at-40-celebrating-the-best-education-money-cant-buy-26387307.html |access-date=25 September 2021 |work=Irish Independent |language=en}} He studied at University College Dublin, graduating with a BCL degree in 1993 and an arbitration diploma in 2000.{{cite web |title=Judicial appointments |url=https://www.facebook.com/UCDSchoolofLaw/posts/4716900278334259 |website=Facebook |publisher=UCD School of Law |access-date=25 September 2021}} He was the auditor of the University College Dublin Law Society between 1991 and 1992 and was the individual winner of the Irish Times Debate in 1992.{{cite news |title=A century of wit and verbal combat |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/a-century-of-wit-and-verbal-combat-1.561815 |access-date=25 September 2021 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}{{cite news |title=The Irish Times Debate at 60: How changing topics reflected the ages |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/education/the-irish-times-debate-at-60-how-changing-topics-reflected-the-ages-1.4177570 |access-date=25 September 2021 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}
His brother Diarmaid Ferriter is Professor of Modern Irish History at University College Dublin.{{cite news |title=A scholar with passion on his mind |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/tv-radio-web/a-scholar-with-passion-on-his-mind-1.670834 |access-date=25 September 2021 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}
He was the moderator of the second series of the television programme The Blackbird And The Bell on RTÉ One.{{cite news |last1=Holt |first1=Eddie |title=The Provos: history or current affairs? |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/the-provos-history-or-current-affairs-1.110585 |access-date=25 September 2021 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}{{cite web |title=BLACKBIRD AND THE BELL, THE |url=https://www.tcd.ie/irishfilm/showfilm.php?fid=41560 |website=TCD.ie |access-date=25 September 2021}}
Legal career
He became a member of the Irish bar in 1998 and a senior counsel in 2011.{{cite web |title=Cian Ferriter |url=https://www.lawlibrary.ie/members/cian-ferriter-sc/ |website=Law Library |access-date=25 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925115704/https://www.lawlibrary.ie/members/cian-ferriter-sc/ |archive-date=25 September 2021 |language=en}} He has been involved in cases involving injunctions, insolvency law, tax law, company law, procurement law and intellectual property law.{{cite news |last1=Reid |first1=Gillian |title=Damages not adequate compensation for breach of copyright on interlocutory application |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/damages-not-adequate-compensation-for-breach-of-copyright-on-interlocutory-application-1.1112900 |access-date=25 September 2021 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Insolvent MNL in liquidation |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/insolvent-mnl-in-liquidation-1.333573 |access-date=25 September 2021 |newspaper=The Irish Times}}{{cite news |title=Tax appellant entitled to be placed in same position as if Revenue charter undertaking had been met |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/tax-appellant-entitled-to-be-placed-in-same-position-as-if-revenue-charter-undertaking-had-been-met-1.1148729 |access-date=25 September 2021 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}{{cite news |title=On application for restriction of directors, the test is whether they acted honestly and responsibly |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/on-application-for-restriction-of-directors-the-test-is-whether-they-acted-honestly-and-responsibly-1.1310840 |access-date=25 September 2021 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Legal challenge to broadband tender rules |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/legal-challenge-to-broadband-tender-rules-1.915615 |access-date=25 September 2021 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Carolan |first1=Mary |title=Ikea takes court case over sale of similar prints |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ikea-takes-court-case-over-sale-of-similar-prints-1.10658 |access-date=25 September 2021 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}} Among parties he represented were the estate of James Joyce, the Criminal Assets Bureau, Brian Curtin, Dublin Airport Authority, Anglo Irish Bank, the National Asset Management Agency and Google.{{cite news |title=Joyce estate gets book injunction |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/joyce-estate-gets-book-injunction-1.1101674 |access-date=25 September 2021 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Cab freezing of Jackson lands extended |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/cab-freezing-of-jackson-lands-extended-1.1013431 |access-date=25 September 2021 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Statement on Curtin |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/statement-on-curtin-1.1028558 |access-date=25 September 2021 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Carolan |first1=Mary |title=Ryanair berated over late payments |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ryanair-berated-over-late-payments-1.898691 |access-date=25 September 2021 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Former Anglo executive in court action |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/former-anglo-executive-in-court-action-1.868073 |access-date=25 September 2021 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Hancock |first1=Ciaran |title=Treasury challenge to Nama set for next month |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/treasury-challenge-to-nama-set-for-next-month-1.452199 |access-date=25 September 2021 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Cherfi |first1=Saurya |title=Politician 'compared to Isis' seeks right to be forgotten |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/courts/circuit-court/politician-compared-to-isis-seeks-right-to-be-forgotten-1.2635278 |access-date=25 September 2021 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}
He has acted for financial institutions in debt enforcement cases, including the Bank of Ireland in enforcement actions against Brian O'Donnell and Everyday Finance against Ivor Callely.{{cite news |last1=Brophy |first1=Daragh |title=One more week? Brian O'Donnell is staying in Gorse Hill until next Thursday |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/gorse-hill-court-1989291-Mar2015/ |access-date=25 September 2021 |work=TheJournal.ie |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Callely and wife sued over €2.9m loan for properties |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/callely-and-wife-sued-over-29m-loan-for-properties-38595635.html |access-date=25 September 2021 |work=Irish Independent |language=en}} He was counsel for John Gilligan in a 2003 appeal to a conviction for possession of drugs for supply and for Thomas Murphy in 2007 in a challenge against the Criminal Asset Bureau.{{cite news |title=Gilligan loses drugs conviction appeal |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/gilligan-loses-drugs-conviction-appeal-1.368973 |access-date=25 September 2021 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Review of Murphy Cab tax case |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/review-of-murphy-cab-tax-case-1.985905 |access-date=25 September 2021 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}} He was appointed to represent the Garda Commissioner at the Barr Tribunal and represented the Mahon Tribunal in a High Court action taken by Bertie Ahern.{{cite news |last1=Healy |first1=Alison |title=Chairman urged to consider pressures on gardai |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/chairman-urged-to-consider-pressures-on-gardai-1.1310977 |access-date=25 September 2021 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Ahern documents to tribunal covered by legal privilege |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/ahern-documents-to-tribunal-covered-by-legal-privilege-1.1267694 |access-date=25 September 2021 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}} He was counsel for Tomasz Zalewski in the Supreme Court of Ireland who successfully challenged the constitutionality of aspects of the Workplace Relations Commission.{{cite news |last1=O'Faolain |first1=Aodhan |title=Supreme Court rules in favour of man dismissed from job in important test case |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/supreme-court-rules-in-favour-of-man-dismissed-from-job-in-important-test-case-5402251-Apr2021/ |access-date=25 September 2021 |work=TheJournal.ie |language=en}}
Ferriter frequently appeared in defamation cases, acting for RTÉ in actions taken by the politicians Beverley Flynn and Joe Costello, for Independent News & Media against Monica Leech and for The Irish Times against Maurice McCabe.{{cite news |title=Beverly Flynn finalises ?1,225,000 settlement with RTE |url=https://www.independent.ie/breaking-news/irish-news/beverly-flynn-finalises-1225000-settlement-with-rte-26301416.html |access-date=25 September 2021 |work=Irish Independent |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=O'Faolain |first1=Aodhan |title=RTÉ asks court to strike out damages claim made by politician Joe Costello |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/politician-case-against-rte-courts-5504306-Jul2021/ |access-date=25 September 2021 |work=TheJournal.ie |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Court dismisses Monica Leech libel case |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/court-dismisses-monica-leech-libel-case-35404750.html |access-date=25 September 2021 |work=Irish Independent |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Maurice McCabe settles defamation action against Irish Times |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-30858222.html |access-date=25 September 2021 |work=Irish Examiner |date=27 July 2018 |language=en}}
The Central Bank of Ireland appointed him chairperson of the Irish Takeover Panel in June 2018.{{cite web |title=New Chairpersons of Takeover Panel and Investment Compensation Company DAC (ICCL) Announced |url=https://www.centralbank.ie/news-media/press-releases/new-chairpersons-takeover-panel-investment-compensation-company-01-June-2018 |website=Central Bank of Ireland |access-date=25 September 2021}} In 2019, he became a board member of the Irish Traditional Music Archive and Poetry Ireland.{{cite web |title=Board |url=https://www.itma.ie/about/board |website=ITMA |access-date=25 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705100955/https://www.itma.ie/about/board |archive-date=5 July 2021}}{{cite web |title=Poetry Ireland Board |url=https://www.poetryireland.ie/about/people |website=Poetry Ireland |access-date=25 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827110934/https://www.poetryireland.ie/about/people/ |archive-date=27 August 2021}}
Judicial career
Ferriter was nominated to the High Court in September 2021.{{cite news |title=Five new High Court judges nominated as 'tsunami of litigation' expected |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/politics/five-new-high-court-judges-nominated-as-tsunami-of-litigation-expected-40855175.html |access-date=24 September 2021 |work=Irish Independent |date=15 September 2021 |language=en}} He was appointed on 5 October 2021.{{cite web |title=Diary President Appoints Judges To The High Court Oct2021 |url=https://president.ie/en/diary/details/president-appoints-judges-to-the-high-court-oct2021 |website=president.ie |access-date=5 October 2021 |language=en}}
He has presided over cases involving refugee law, judicial review, personal insolvency, medical negligence and personal injuries.{{cite news |title=Judge dismisses Syrian man's challenge to reunification refusal for 18-year-old son |url=https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/judge-dismisses-syrian-mans-challenge-to-reunification-refusal-for-18-year-old-son-1326654.html |access-date=20 August 2022 |work=BreakingNews.ie |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Garda who engaged in sex act in Garda station wins challenge over suspension |url=https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/garda-who-engaged-in-sex-act-in-garda-station-wins-challenge-over-suspension-1283292.html |access-date=20 August 2022 |work=BreakingNews.ie |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Appeal can proceed against insolvency plan that allows man to pay €93 towards mortgage each month |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2022/06/20/appeal-can-proceed-against-insolvency-plan-that-allows-man-to-pay-93-towards-mortgage-each-month/ |access-date=20 August 2022 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=O'Faolain |first1=Aodhan |title=Court strikes out action against deceased doctor's estate over alleged misread cervical samples |url=https://www.thejournal.ie/smear-test-medical-negligence-claim-5680953-Feb2022/ |access-date=20 August 2022 |work=TheJournal.ie |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=O’Loughlin |first1=Ann |title=Toddler injured by ceiling fan in Tenerife aparthotel room awarded €12k |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/courtandcrime/arid-40811286.html |access-date=20 August 2022 |work=Irish Examiner |date=18 February 2022 |language=en}}
Personal life
He lives in Dublin and writes poetry. He was the winner of the 2019 Westival International Poetry Competition and runner up of the 2020 Gregory O’Donoghue International Poetry Competition.{{cite web |title=Authors |url=https://humag.co/authors/cian-ferriter |website=Honest Ulsterman |access-date=25 September 2021 |language=en}}
References
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Category:High Court judges (Ireland)
Category:Alumni of University College Dublin
Category:Alumni of King's Inns
Category:Year of birth missing (living people)
Category:21st-century Irish poets
Category:RTÉ television presenters
Category:21st-century Irish judges