Tributes paid at death of 'highly respected' Derry-born barrister Ivor McAteer

Tributes have been paid to leading Derry-born barrister Ivor McAteer KC who passed away suddenly in Belfast on Monday, 20th March.

Mr McAteer, a former Queen’s University law graduate who was involved in many high-profile cases during a distinguished career.

He was called to the Bar of Northern Ireland in 1990, called to the Bar of Ireland in 1999 and took silk in 2020.

Speaking before today's sitting of Derry Magistrate's Court District Judge Barney McElholm said he wished to express his condolences and those of the court on the 'sudden and untimely death'. 

He said: "Mr McAteer was someone we all knew, admired and respected."

The judge said he wanted to offer the court's condolences to Mr McAteer's family. 

He added: "This is a great loss to his family but also a great loss to the bar and the criminal justice system." 

In a statement published on their website, The Bar of Northern Ireland said it was “in mourning at the sudden passing of esteemed colleague Ivor McAteer KC, who worked as a Barrister from 1990 and took silk in 2020”.

Moira Smyth KC, Chair of the Bar Council, paid tribute to Ivor McAteer on behalf of the profession in this jurisdiction.

Moira Smyth KC said: “The shock of Ivor’s passing has deeply affected the Bar where he was a well-known, highly respected and extremely popular colleague.

“There is an acutely sombre atmosphere today within the Bar Library with many barristers deeply shocked at this sudden and tragic news. Ivor was a friend to many in the profession and was universally recognised as a very able, kind and supportive colleague.

“On behalf of the Bar Council we offer our deepest condolences to Ivor’s family and many friends.

“We offer them our steadfast support in the very difficult days ahead and will aim to help them in any way we can.”

Mr McAteer's family were originally from Marlborough Street and we're well known across the city. 

Funeral arrangements later.