Galway mayor Eddie Hoare led a delegation welcoming the Chief Justice to the O’Donoghue Centre in the ‘City of the Tribes’ for the first event of its kind during his tenure as head of the judiciary.

The first part of the event saw the Chief Justice speak with Tom O’Connor, co-editor-in-chief of the University of Galway Law Review, about his background, the position of the European Convention on Human Rights and artificial intelligence in the law.

In the second part of the wide-ranging interview, the Chief Justice discussed access to justice, judicial training and the equality provision under Article 40.1 of the Constitution with Dr Shivaun Quinlivan, a senior lecturer at the School of Law.

Asked why he accepted the invitation to do the event, which was MCed by Eric Ehigie, the Chief Justice said: “I like universities and I like talking to students.” He went on to note that “education is not meant to be easy” but indicated that it is almost always worthwhile.

Emma Halpin, co-editor-in-chief of the University of Galway Law Review, described the interview as “an insightful and valuable event for the students, academics and practitioners in attendance”.

Also present were judge of the Circuit Court, Brian O’Callaghan, and judge of the District Court in Galway, Mary Fahy.

Dean of the School of Law, Professor Martin Hogg, urged guests to contribute to Volume III of the University of Galway Law Review for which articles of 5,000 words or more are invited until 29 February. Those interested in submitting or learning more can email lawreview@universityofgalway.ie.