JUDGE Kevin O'Higgins has been appointed to the High Court after serving as a Circuit Court Judge since 1986. He is a first cousin of the former Chief Justice, Mr Tom F. O'Higgins.
Like most of the O'Higgins dynasty, he has strong connections with Fine Gael though he has forged a legal career based on ability, notably in criminal law.
He has served as a senior counsel in some famous trials. He was part of the defence team in the 1970 arms trial and represented the Attorney General and the Director of Public Prosecutions at the Kerry Babies Tribunal. He was appointed a judge when only 39 years old and on the bench has been noted for being tough but fair, and particularly hardworking.
Educated at UCD and King's Inns, he was called to the bar in 1968 and inner bar in 1982. He served for three years between 1980 and 1982 as director of Dublin Samaritans. He is married with four children.
The second judge appointed to the High Court, Mr John Quirke SC, studied in Trinity College and King's Inns. He was called to the Bar in 1974 and Inner Bar in 1984. He worked mostly on the eastern circuit and specialised in personal injury cases, insurance and contract law.
He served with distinction on the Blackrock College senior rugby schools team before winning three caps for Ireland during the 1960s, playing at scrum half.
Aged 52, he is married with four children, two of whom are pursuing legal careers.