John Donohoe FitzGerald

“ Business first cauie to him in the court of chancery, but his practice increased so rapidly on circuit, that he devoted himself to the common law courts, and, at a time when pleading was often more important than merit, was reputed the best pleader at the Irish bar. His industry was immense, and he himself attributed his rapid success largely to the fact that he utilised the whole of his time and gave up to work the spare half-hours which other men wasted. ”

“ In 1883 he was elected an honorary bencher of Gray's Inn. On the death of Sir Edward Sullivan [q. v.] in 1885 FitzGerald was offered the lord chancellorship of Ireland with an hereditary peerage, which he at first accepted, but, on further consideration, declined. He died on 16 Oct. 1889, at the residence of his brother, 22 FitzAVilliam Place, Dublin, and was buried in Glasnevin cemetery, near Dublin.
As a judge FitzGerald enjoyed a high reputation. 'No fairer minded, abler, or more independent man sat upon the Irish bench' (Lord Selbourne, Memorials, ii. ii. 18) . ”

“ In a speech from the bench of an extra-judicial character the master of the rolls charged FitzGerald with having connived at Sadleir's escape from justice 'for reasons which the public well knew.' A charge so serious and unusual, made by a judge of high position against the first law officer of the crown, caused considerable sensation, and led to a discussion in parliament. ”