Out of Print
James Comyn describes with an obvious and sincere pleasure and, at times, with a great deal of humour, the story of his father, James Comyn, S. C., and his uncle Judge Michael Comyn, who both practised at the Irish Bar and on the Munster Circuit during the first 50 years of this century.
The author, well known to his own profession, has described with affectionate memory, family happenings, and gives a fascinating account of the careers of his father and uncle who had an enormous capacity for enjoying their profession to the full.
The book contains a fund of good stories of life at the Irish bench and bar, both before and after Independence, many of which are laced with that delightful, Irish humour.
Apart from its obvious interest for all who work within the legal profession Their Friends at Court will be found an amusing and entertaining family memoir.
Preface... These are the memoirs of my father and uncle - James and Michael Comyn - who practiced at the Irish bar and on the Munster Circuit during the first 50 years of this century.
I toyed with many titles. My favourite, which perhaps I will use if I ever get around to any legal memoirs of my own, was Watch his Lordship's Pencil - that splendid exhoration so often addressed to unfortunate witnesses by counsel. But in the end I decided on Their Friends at Court, for they had many.
My father once overheard two farmers talking at the entrance to the Court in Ennis. They were evidently potential witnesses. One said to the other 'Do you know anyone in this place?' - 'Well,' said his colleague 'I know the usher.' - 'Oh, you'll be all right so,' remarked the first farmer, - 'it's great to have a friend at court.'
James Comyn Tara, Co. Meath and The Temple, London E.C.4 1973