State's first divorcee dies after 10 days after remarrying

THE terminally ill man who was granted Ireland's first divorce in a High Court ruling two weeks ago has died. He had married his new partner in a private ceremony at their home within the past 10 days.

The man, in his 60s, sought the history making decree in order to marry the woman, who has a daughter by him. His illness was so advanced that they could not wait until the Family Law (Divorce) Bill took effect at the end of this month.

Following the ruling on January 17th, the man's partner notified the Registrar of Marriages on January 22nd of their intention to wed under special licence. This is granted in very rare circumstances - including medical emergency - and allowed them to waive the eight days' notice normally required by the registrar's office. It also meant they could have the ceremony at home, where it is understood the man remained until his death.

The divorced couple lived in several countries before settling in Ireland, according to Mr Justice Barron's ruling. Since their separation, they had continued to live close together, "without bitterness on either side".

The wife did not want the divorce but made no effort to oppose it beyond ensuring that provision was made for the family. Mr Justice Barron said she had "come to terms with the situation that her feelings toward her husband are not reciprocated . .. there is no reasonable prospect of a reconciliation between them".

Under the terms of the ruling, three properties owned by the divorcing couple were transferred to the former wife. The man also agreed to transfer one third of his assets equally to a son and two daughters of his first marriage. Both husband and wife had substantial assets in trust funds but the wife's were "more than double those of the husband".

The press was excluded from the hearing of the application.