The Last Word with Matt Cooper Think You Know The Presidents? Cearbhail Ó Dálaigh
Oct 9, 2025
Cearbhail Ó Dálaigh's presidency was rife with controversy and public disputes. His bold offer to exchange himself for a kidnapped businessman raised eyebrows. The clash with Minister Paddy Donegan, who called him a 'thundering disgrace,' marked a dramatic low point. Anecdotes about Ó Dálaigh's multilingual quirks and personal stories reveal a complex character. Despite early public support, his resignation sparked widespread sympathy. The podcast navigates the tumultuous politics of 1970s Ireland and the lasting impact of his short, stormy term.
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From Fishmonger’s Son To Legal Star
- Cearbhail Ó Dálaigh rose from a fishmonger’s son to Ireland’s youngest Supreme Court judge and first ECJ judge.
- He was a brilliant legal mind with a strong Irish-language and debating background that shaped his career.
Constitutionalism Shaped His Presidency
- Ó Dálaigh's constitutionalism defined his presidency and later actions.
- His refusal to rubber-stamp laws came from a deep belief in judicial scrutiny.
Violence Framed The Era
- The mid-1970s were violent and volatile with events like the Miami Showband killings.
- Those national traumas framed public anxiety and political decisions during Ó Dálaigh's term.