Former Supreme Court Judge Frank Griffin dies aged 97

Sentenced late RTÉ journalist Kevin O’Kelly for contempt in 1972 over interview with IRA leader

Former Supreme Court judge Frank Griffin has died aged 97. Appointed to the Supreme Court in 1973, he served there until 1991.

In November 1972, while a High Court judge and presiding at the Special Criminal Court, Judge Griffin sentenced the late RTÉ journalist Kevin O'Kelly to three months for contempt when he refused on grounds of conscience to identify the voice on an interview he had recorded with then IRA chief of staff Seán MacStiofáin.

Part of the recording was used to convict MacStiofáin of membership of an unlawful organisation.

Judge Griffin is survived by his children, Justice Gerard Griffin of the Circuit Court, Mary, Fiona, Fran and Peter. His wife Helen predeceased him as did his eldest son Michael and grandchildren Thomas and Mary.

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The remains will repose at Fanagans funeral home, Dundrum, from 3pm tomorrow with removal to the Church of the Good Shepherd, Churchtown, arriving at 5pm. Funeral Mass on Thursday is 10am, with burial in Shanganagh cemetery.

Patsy McGarry

Patsy McGarry

Patsy McGarry is a contributor to The Irish Times