Shirley Coulter

Ms Coulter, who rejoins the Bar from the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) where she has served as chief executive since 2020, succeeds Ciara Murphy following her planned departure.

She previously served as the Bar’s director of communications and policy from 2015 to 2020.

Welcoming the appointment, Bar Council chair Seán Guerin SC said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Shirley Coulter as chief executive of the Bar of Ireland.

“Shirley brings deep knowledge of the organisation, a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the profession, and a proven record of effective leadership in representing members’ interests.

“On behalf of the Council, I warmly welcome Shirley back to the Bar of Ireland and look forward to working with her to continue strengthening our position as an independent, expert, and accessible voice within the justice system.”

He also paid tribute to Ms Murphy, who was appointed as chief executive in 2014.

“I also wish to express our sincere thanks to Ciara Murphy for her long and much-valued service as chief executive,” he said.

“he Bar of Ireland is a highly regarded professional body and has gone from strength to strength under her leadership of the organisation.”