30 Facts About Michael Comyn

Michael Comyn was an Irish barrister, Fianna Fail Senator and later a judge on the Circuit Court.

Michael Comyn was a member of the British Civil Service, geologist, discoverer and operator of mines, and finally "litigant in one of the longest cases ever heard in the Irish courts".

Michael Comyn's mother was Ellenora, daughter of Thomas Quin, of Fanta Glebe, Kilfenora, County Clare.

In 1879, the Michael Comyn family were evicted from their home by Lord Clanricarde's agent and the family moved to Gortnaboul in Kilshanny parish, County Clare.

Michael Comyn attended the local school and was taught by Vere Ryan, father of the republican Frank Ryan.

Michael Comyn boarded with his aunt in Ruan during the week.

At the age of 19, Michael Comyn sat for an examination to be an excise officer; 2,500 people entered and 50 were selected.

Michael Comyn was assigned to Powers' Distillery, Dublin, for a six-week introduction course.

Michael Comyn was later assigned to Lancaster, where he both worked in excise and attended Preston College.

Michael Comyn returned to Dublin to study law at University College Dublin.

Michael Comyn attended King's Inns while continuing to work during the day.

Michael Comyn was one lecture short at the time of the final examination.

Michael Comyn put himself forward for the Victoria Prize, which he won and it enabled him to complete his studies.

Michael Comyn was called to the Irish bar in 1898 and joined the Munster Circuit in 1900.

Michael Comyn built up a successful practice and he became a King's Counsel in June 1914.

Michael Comyn decided to join the Munster circuit and presented himself at quarter sessions in his home county Clare.

Michael Comyn would argue several cases before the House of Lords in his time.

James Michael Comyn cites the Clifford and O'Sullivan case as a leading authority in the field of constitutional law.

Michael Comyn revealed later that King George V became aware of the details about the 42 men facing the death penalty.

Michael Comyn was reported to be shocked and personally "interfered" to ensure that the sentences of death were not carried out.

Michael Comyn is said to have revealed "intelligence" from a highly placed British source that Lloyd George "would negotiate on lines that would satisfy Smuts and would go to the country rather than to war if those negotiations failed".

Michael Comyn defended Republican prisoners during the Irish Civil War.

Michael Comyn took part in some significant inquests notably the two that arose with the deaths of Cathal Brugha and Harry Boland with the intention to disrupt them on behalf of the IRA.

Michael Comyn returned with his typewriter and a small Colt automatic revolver.

Michael Comyn was imprisoned in Portobello Barracks and ask his long-time friend Michael Comyn to defend him.

Michael Comyn had often hidden in Comyn's home in Leeson Park.

Michael Comyn said "It was a complete negation of justice, the worst I have ever known, to execute a man whose case for life or death was actually under argument and awaiting judgment".

In 1924, Michael Comyn married Marcella Blake-Forster, of Ballykeal House, Kilfenora, County Clare.

Michael Comyn served as senator between 1928 and 1936 and was Leas-Chathaoirleach of the house.

Michael Comyn received the votes of his eighteen Fianna Fail colleagues, all the votes of the seven Labour Party Senators and the votes of three independents: Sir Edward Bellingham, Thomas Linehan and Laurence O'Neill.