Former High Court Court judge Mr Justice Vivian Lavan died at his home over the weekend.

Mr Justice Lavan, who retired early from the High Court bench three months ago because of ill-health, passed away on Saturday surrounded by his family.

He is survived by his wife, Una, four children and two grandchildren.

The former judge served on the High Court bench for 21 years during which time he presided over the trial of Brendan O’Donnell, the longest in Irish legal history.

In 1969, Mr Justice Lavan was one of the four founders of Free Legal Aid Centres whose work led to the establishment of the civil legal aid scheme.

He also served as the president of the Law Reform Commission from 1998 to 2000.

On the day he retired, Mr Justice Lavan was described as a “pivotal figure in the development of Irish law” by Attorney General Máire Whelan SC.

The removal will take place tomorrow to the Church of the Assumption, Booterstown, arriving at 5pm.

The funeral will be held on Wednesday after 11am Mass to Redford Cemetery, Greystones, Co Wicklow.

Family flowers only are requested and donations if desired can be made to the Blackrock Hospice

(The Irish Times, 15th August 2011)