New book by Prof Oonagh Breen launched by Ms Justice Finlay Geoghegan

On Wednesday January 29, 2020, retired Supreme Court Justice Mary Finlay Geoghegan launched Law of Charities in Ireland (Bloomsbury, 2019) written by Professor Oonagh Breen of UCD Sutherland School of Law and Philip Smith, partner at Arthur Cox (pictured above).  Hosted by Arthur Cox, the evening brought together academics, charity trustees, policymakers and professional advisers across the fields of law, accountancy and tax who specialise in charity law along with friends and colleagues.  In her opening remarks, Professor Breen recalled the long history of Irish charity law reform, referencing her earlier collaborations with Philip Smith on the Law Society’s Report on Charity Law in 2002; and their work on the Heads of Bill for the Dept of Community Rural and Gaeltacht in 2004.  Launching the book, Ms Justice Finlay Geoghegan commended the authors on the clarity of its content, describing the book as ‘an exemplar’ in terms of its valuable guidance on charity governance, the importance of good financial reporting and the role of volunteers.  Referring to the now overdue statutory review of the Charities Act 2009, the judge hoped those tasked with this important work would bear in mind the fine line between necessary regulation and over-regulation. A Bloomsbury podcast interview with Professor Breen on Irish charity law and regulation can be accessed. A Bloomsbury podcast interview with Professor Breen on Irish charity law and regulation can be accessed (opens in a new window)here.   

Orla O’Connor, Chair of Arthur Cox introduces the speakers

Aedin Morkan, Mazars, Geoff Moore, Arthur Cox in conversation with Ian Brady of Davy

Prof Breen’s colleagues at the launch included Dr Noel McGrath and Dr Mark Coen

Professor Breen with family at the launch of her book