Desmond Fennell (judge)

Desmond Fennell (1927 – 2021) was an Irish barrister and judge. He served as a judge of the Circuit Court of Ireland from 1984 to 1999.

Fennell was educated at University College Dublin and King's Inns, Dublin. He was called to the bar in 1952 and practiced law for many years, specializing in personal injury and criminal law.

He was appointed to the Circuit Court in 1984. During his tenure, he presided over a wide range of cases, including criminal trials, family law proceedings, and civil disputes. He was known for his fairness, diligence, and even temperament on the bench. He retired from the Circuit Court in 1999 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age.

Following his retirement, Fennell remained active in legal circles and occasionally contributed to legal publications.