The well known judge Paul Carney has died at the age of 72.
He spent 24 years listening to some of the country’s most notorious murder and rape cases.
The outspoken Judge retired from the central criminal court in April. The Law Society of Ireland has described him as one of Ireland's greatest ever criminal judges who was utterly devoted to fairness, justice and the rule of law.
The President of the High Court, Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns, says Paul Carney will be greatly missed.
The Justice Minister, Frances Fitzgerald said "Mr Justice Carney was a judge of exceptional ability who made a huge contribution to the High Court bench, in particular in presiding over many high profile criminal law trials."
"I know he will be greatly missed and sadly he did not get to enjoy the benefits of a long and well-deserved retirement", she added.
