Members of The Bar of Ireland travelled to Málaga during the Whit holiday to enjoy a most engaging and thought-provoking conference on the theme of Defamation Nation.
The exceptional array of speakers from home and abroad offered their expert insights in the areas of media, sport and technology.
Paul McGarry SC, Chairman, Council of The Bar of Ireland, gave the opening address to delegates, welcoming them to the conference in the Museo Picasso. The first session ‘Defamation and Privacy Online and in the Media’ opened with Eoin McCullough SC delivering a talk on ‘Does Privilege Work?’ which was followed by Vincent Crowley, Chairman of Newsbrands Ireland speaking about ‘The Impact of Defamation Law on the Press in Ireland’. Mr Justice Robert Jay completed Session 1 with a talk on ‘reflections on regulation of the media in a post-Leveson digital World’.
( l-r Mr Justice Robert Jay, Vincent Crowley, Eoin McCullough SC and Mary Rose Gearty SC)
The second session was entitled ‘Sports Cheating Allegations and the law’ and was opened by Susan Ahern BL speaking about cheating in sport ‘you’re a cheat! perception and reality’. She was joined in this session by Seán Cottrell CEO, LawinSport speaking on ‘Balancing Greater Transparency and Accountability in Sports Disputes with the Athletes Right to Privacy’ and Richard Pound QC, Ad. E, first President of the World Anti-Doping Agency and two-time Vice-President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) with his talk on ‘Reconciling Confidentiality and Transparency in Sport doping’.
(Richard Pound QC, Ad. E first President of the World Anti-Doping Agency and two-time Vice-President of the International Olympic Committee)
The third and final session entitled ‘The Impact of Technology on Human Behaviour’ was opened by leading Cyberpsychologist Dr Mary Aiken with her talk ‘The Impact of Technology on Human Behaviour: Implications for Justice’. Following this Dr Aiken was part of a panel discussion including Liam McCollum QC Chairman of the Bar of Northern Ireland and Michael McDowell SC on this fascinating issue.
(Dr Mary Aiken, Cyberpsychologist)
In addition to the conference sessions, the social programme took delegates to some of the best venues Málaga has to offer. The opening reception took place on the rooftop of the University of Málaga overlooking the beautiful Alcazaba, in the centre of Malaga’s historical district. The gala drinks reception and dinner was held in the Automobile and Fashion Museum of Málaga and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
(Opening reception University of Málaga)
(Gala dinner in the Automobile and Fashion Museum of Málaga)
We are most grateful to all of the speakers, session Chairs, sponsors and delegates that participated