Three years missing dear John, our conversations, his kindness, the hospitality we enjoyed in Eastbourne...the legacy of new friends obtained through him..

You're in my heart.

What a friend! Loyal, kind, generous, great company & irreplaceable. Thanks for everything John x

I met John in Cornwall in 2004 when he was staying in the same hotel as me.
My partner and myself were having a drink in he hotel bar and he joined us for a drink or two. He was a lovely guy and great company. I cannot say he was a friend but I have never forgotten him, and I am very sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family.

If it's possible to send you blessings and good wishes, then I do today, dear John, on your special day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, dear friend, you'll always have a place in my heart.

On the eve of St.Patrick’s day, I can’t forget that fantastic evening at the embassy party, overlooking the beach in Rio, in turn being overlooked by the beautiful statue of Christ, bathed in green light. This was just one of many magic moments with another J.C. during about 45 years of valued friendship. Never to be forgotten!

You are not forgotten John - your picture is displayed on my office bookcase - a reminder of good times. Hoping the wine is good where you are!!
Tony Vermot

It’s been a long time ago, but the memories… they’re still in my head, I never met a man as generous and good person as my dad, I hope that wherever you are, you are well and I hope in peace too, I will love you forever daddy.

How we will always miss a true & loyal friend. Without his cajoling, & great generosity I would never have visited fabulous Brasil, or enjoyed the company of his wonderful friends there.

I frequently remember, & especially today, St. Patrick’s Day 2015 in Rio de Janeiro, when he took me to an Irish Embassy reception overlooking Ipanema Beach with the statue of Christ the Redeemer, specially bathed in appropriate green light overlooking us. There was good company, whisky & Guinness…..rarely a dull moment in John’s presence!

Thank you for everything my very dear chum.

On the day of the anniversary of dear John's passing i was in Buenos Aires, with just my mobile in hand, and unable to post anything...

He's always in my mind, I keep fond memories of the good times we shared.

The last time i saw him was back in 2019, when he hosted us in his place in Eastbourne, and showed us around.

I never imagined I'd never see him again. He was a really dear friend, and is missed. His sharp remarks, his strong voice, his expression are unforgettable.

And so is he.

It's still hard to believe that that lovely buoyant character, John, is gone a year. I was a fourteen year old schoolgirl doing my homework with my brother and sister in Westland Row station when he sat down and helped us - I remember he was fascinated by a collection of French Reader's Digests we had. He invited us to his big UCD Law Society bash which he handled with an aplomb remarkable given his young age; of course at that stage I thought he was a fairly elderly gentleman, looking back. He sent me my first St. Valentine's Day card ever; he had a heart of gold, which I feel must surely be beating somewhere still. You will never be forgotten in this heart, John.

Never the same when we lose larger than life characters. Missed but never forgotten old boy x

It does not seem like a year! I do miss my friend John. Previously I have recounted some of our adventures. This time I recall the time we took a small aircraft to Alderney from Shoreham aerodrome - over 1 hour - most enjoyable. A picture of the two "lads" before take off is placed in the file. The most memorable part of our 5 hour visit to Alderney was the price of the meal in what seemed to be the only hotel (oh the joys of a monopoly!) However we did have a couple of bottles of a reasonably good bordeaux. A great guy, I will never forget and will miss for many years. Best drinking partner I ever had. 

We thought of John for his contribution to the BERKELEVIAN Magazine and his great companionship with Johnnie and me at Jolly Boys outings. He is missed by us all

It will be a year late tonight since Dad died. I haven’t posted here before, the circumstances of his death were harsh. The darkness that followed his sudden passing in the midst of Covid restrictions made it difficult to celebrate the brightness his life and pleasure that he was able to bring to many. I grieve for him and think of him everyday. He was a powerful influence in my life, very challenging sometimes, but a one of a kind, a generous spirit, who had a great ability to bring an energy and enthusiasm for life and ideas - not easy for everyone to find. The warmth and unquestioning love he showed me throughout my life helped me through my own difficult times and still does today. I knew he loved me deeply despite my faults. He is with me always. Reading your posts here has helped me to know that he is not forgotten and was much loved. Thank you for remembering him and sharing that with me. I will light candles and raise a glass to him this evening to toast the good stories, his reliable unpredictability and certainty of his love. Miss you Dad x

An appropriately named website!

Happy Birthday youngster!

What fun we had my very good friend.

Not a day goes by without me thinking of you. I very much miss sharing our thoughts. The world is a much poorer place without your presence and insight.

Walking the dogs today, Fiona reminded me of John’s birthday and how much we missed his friendship and generosity, his knowledge of Irish political history, the laughter we shared every time Fiona quipped “ Fianna Fianna Fáil, drives me up the wall!!" We will drink to his joyful memory today at a sushi restaurant he liked in Brasília. John, hope you are somewhere entertaining.

Omg just saw this. So very sad to read of John's passing. Lost touch with him in the last two decades but will always remember him with fond memories and his great sense of humour generosity and kindness. Met him on the underground when I was a student. We got talking and ended up doing summer jobs attending court for a few of his solicitor friends. Mainly Patrick Keogh. Eventually ended up working full time with Mary his first wife. Very happy memorable time. My heartfelt condolences to his family who I knew very well. And my prayers are with them. May his kind Soul rest in eternal peace.

I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear today of John’s death. I’ve been privileged to know him since we were in chambers together in the 1980’s and will always remember him for his kindness, intelligence, skill as an advocate and of course for his wonderful sense of humour. The world is a far poorer place for his passing.

I first met JC back in 1996 when he allowed me to attend for a last minute interview for a vacancy at the WG Hastings Annexe, and from there my career as a Barristers Clerk started. He had no real commercial reason to give me that interview as one might today, but JC as i came to learn was always the one to think outside the box.
My career in clerking would never have been possible had it not been for JC taking that impulsive chance on me that evening and allowing a lad with no experience to try and better himself, by doing that JC forged my path for the next 25 years and beyond.
My family and I will forever be in his debt, no matter how long we shared the road of Barrister and Clerk it was he who put me on the road to better my life, and that of my children and grandchildren.
When JC asked me to return to WG after most of my clerking years in London it was as ever the perfect timing the man seemed to have, and the chance to return to Sussex was cemented over lunch with water, the years had clearly mellowed us both. The subsequent years have not been easy on the Bar or for many in the world as a whole but WG continues to march on and we owe JC everything for the chance to be working or practicing in Sussex and beyond.
Alongside my late Father I will miss him greatly, both entertainers, and mavericks who we may not always have seen eye to eye with but could never be cross with for long.
"JC make sure your there when it is time for my last interview as i have a very strong suspicion I am going to need all the help you can give to get me in.!"

So sorry that John has departed from this life so soon and my condolences go out to his family.
John was a very good friend of my late husband Paddy Keogh. They worked together many years ago. In the years before Paddy's passing they caught up with each other again in Eastbourne. 
John and Paddy spent many hours with us at Silver Beach in Pevensey Bay near by, reminiscing about their past lives and putting the politics of today to right.

John had a tremendous sense of humour which made him an ideal lunch/guest. He was also a thoughtful, clever person whose creativity and approach to business as well as to helping his fellow men was greatly appreciated. The Keogh family will miss him.

John will be greatly missed by myself and my father Leo. He was a lifelong friend to my father and myself and always inspired me to be entrepreneurial and encouraging me every time we spoke. Our sincere condolences to all John's family.

John had an energy and vivacity that was appreciated by all who knew him here in Berkeley Court where he had a flat. One of his good friends here, Johnny Johnson, described him as having “a wonderful sense of humour - you could never tire of his company”.

John recently contributed an article in our magazine about his ineptitude as a handyman; a modest tale with hysterical undertones that gave a lot of pleasure to its readers. He will indeed be much missed.

Rosalind Thomson,
Secretary of the Board

Sincere condolences to John’s family, our cousins, and his friends. We are thinking of you all during this very difficult time. May he rest in peace.

Aoife Cullen

I am so shocked, a bit angry, and saddened that John has left. 
He was my rock, confidant and support through my loss of his brother, my husband Patrick. He was always there for advice, support and to put me on the right path, when I wasn't thinking clearly. We discussed so many things.. from my business to his, ..family issues, to his, and religion, politics and more. He never answered my questions immediately.. he thought it out, as he did, and then came back with the right answer. I did so admire him for his rock of sense honesty.. I shall miss him and his guidance.

What a Wonderful tribute to a truly Wonderful Man he would of so proud to hear the eloquence of his Children who spoke of the John Collins we all loved.
My father died 22 years ago and I still miss him everyday please keep me in the loop regarding his memorial service

So sad to have lost John. I am so glad to have met him, and experienced the joy that he brought to our family and so many others. May he rest in peace.

I also remember fondly the night Christine and I decided to chaperone our young solicitor Michelle unasked and uninvited which John took with absolute courtesy charm and good humour. He had many rare gifts. To name but two the first was the ability to make people feel special in his company and to communicate his joy for life. The second : he is the only person I have known who late in the evening and still seated at the table was able to fall asleep mid sentence whilst recounting one of his numerous hilarious stories and wake up several minutes later and continue where he left off, apparently oblivious to the fact that he had left our universe. Wherever he is now they are lucky to have him. A special man we are lucky to have known.

I was so sorry to hear of John’s death, but uplifted to revisit many happy and warm memories. John was a great friend to me personally and to my firm. We shared many lovely times together which bring a smile and a warmth in my heart. Sitting on a cold kerbstone in Worthing town centre, somewhat the worse for wear, while John recited beautifully the poetry of Yeats; sharing an abundance of Rioja and good cheer when I had gatecrashed a hoped for intimate dinner; loudly singing out the night at parties in the old Chambers. John was unfailingly kind and courteous to me, gave me love and support in my own dark days of loss, and although it has been a while since I saw him, I feel a great loss at his passing.

My most sincere and heartfelt condolences to John’s family - my cousins, and his friends. Our thoughts are with you.

David Cullen

Thank you John for allowing me to join your chambers in my mid 50s and all your Irish kindness over the next 10 years. You were a tribute to the legal profession and will be sadly missed by us all. I have no doubt you are still holding court. Thanks for the memories.

Well that was a bit sudden, old lad, and it was my turn to buy our Saturday lunch so that’s a saving. But I’m really missing you very much. Thanks for lighting up so many of our days.

Now I know where you have gone, Dear John,

We have been trying to have a lunch since March. Now you are sitting at the Top Table, you may have to start with the “humble pie”, because, as you NOW know, there is an amazing place beyond Eastbourne & Florianopolis. Enjoy it to the full, as you did down here!

We first met when you joined Francis Taylor Building in about 1976. What a breath of fresh air. We became firm friends, despite hardly ever agreeing on anything. That didn’t matter, as we both learned so much together. You were a very fine advocate, & my advocacy improved so much by being in cases with you.

You also brought a business model to your high standards of professionalism. I remember being very surprised by your generous provision of fish & chips to clients languishing in custody awaiting trial. The Bar Council may not have approved, but your clients appreciated all your efforts. Fortunately, there weren’t too many fish & chip deliveries, as your determined advocacy usually secured bail.

An example of your humour & determination was many years ago, mitigating before a High Court Judge at the Old Bailey. Inevitably your client was facing a long, long time in prison. You opened your mitigation in a surprising way:
“ My Lord, I wonder if I might enquire as to how long you are thinking of making the sentence, as I have very lengthy mitigation, & it might save a lot time if I knew what you had in mind.”
His Lordship indicated that the sentence was much longer than John had envisaged! Never disheartened John replied:
“My Lord, I knew that there would be a difference between us, but I didn’t realise that it would be measured in Light Years!”
Any other advocate would have incurred the wrath of the Judge, but John had such a wonderfully charming manner. The Judge smiled. John set about his long mitigation. After a while the Judge interrupted & told John of the much lower sentence that John had driven him to.

We had lunch one day in Lewes & he pointed to the pub opposite. He said that he only went there for professional reasons, because after a pint or two, he always came out with a new client who had had a skirmish with the law.

He was a true & very generous friend. I have so much to thank him for. His kindness extended to so many. When my wife’s car was written off, he immediately offered to give her his car.

I have always enjoyed all things Brazilian, including music & football. John made it all come true when he invited me to his Pousada in Brazil twice. What unbelievable times I had. He was as popular there, as he was here. He treated me like a visiting dignitary & introduced me to everyone.

What a St Patrick’s Day party with the Irish Embassy in Rio de Janiero, on a terrace overlooking the beach, & being looked down on from on high by the statue of Christ, bathed in beautiful Irish green light. Thanks to John, I have made some tremendous friendships in Brazil. I know how loved he is over there.

Thank you for everything John. I am not in a hurry to have that long awaited lunch with you, but I know how much fun it will be when I do! You will make so many new friends in the meantime.

John became my dear friend in Brazil, and we shared many great moments together. He had an intense love for life, his friends, his family, and he always had a witty and funny comment on every subject to surprise me. Besides his remarkable personality, John was extraordinarily generous and considerate, which made everyone enjoy his companion. I'll never forget his smile of happiness when he could enjoy the sun on his skin during the summer in Florianópolis as if it was a special gift from life. The truth is that he was a gift for all of us who had the pleasure of meeting him, and we will miss him awfully.

I first met John over three decades ago, as a young solicitor. We had won a case and he invited me out that evening for tapas in Brighton. He took it very well when I turned up with my two good friends and professional partners, Jane and Christine. We all had a fabulous evening with much laughter, an evening we all fondly remember. That was the beginning of our friendship.

John was always so warm, witty and wise. Through John, I subsequently met my husband, Pierce, one of his new, young barristers way back...

John joined us over the years for many significant get togethers with family and friends, and was even our son, PJ's godfather at one point.

We hadn't seen John so often in recent times but always there was so much warmth and love when we did.

We were so shocked and broken-hearted to hear of his passing.

We will always remember him and love him.

I first met John in 1992 when we co-defended and he invited me to join his chambers. I will always be indebted to him. It was a pleasure to be in John's company. He was wonderfully entertaining as well as being generous, supportive and empathetic. There are very few people in life who leave an indelible imprint on the memory and John with his warm and colourful personality was one of them. Also, his professional achievement in establishing Westgate Chambers was considerable and it will always be associated with him. My heartfelt condolences go to all John's family.

Coming from Mozambique and heading to Fortaleza you were the perfect host for the few wonderful days we had together in  Florianópolis a few years ago.
We promised each other to meet again. I really hope so.

John was a fantastic force, with immense energy. He will be greatly missed.

I am not sure if you will get this wherever you are now John but though you were not a believer in the afterlife I feel sure you are still around somewhere in this Universe and I want to feel we can have our regular laughs together. A call with you, or better the occasional day together, always raised my spirits.
Your wit and wisdom was a tonic for anyone. You were great company and whether we were solving the problems of the world or just some personal issues it was always gratifying and sprinkled with your unique insight and good humour.
We came from different worlds and yet got on so well. Over 50 years of, first business and later close personal friendship. I treasured it greatly and you will always have a special place in my heart. How careless of you to leave us without any warning. Sleep well dear John, you have set an example to us all…..and thank you for being you!

The first time I remember meeting our cousin John was in the 1960s when he drove up to our family farm, Dunbro, in north county Dublin in a red Bubble Car. My parents, Eileen and Jack O’Donoghue, my six brothers and I were delighted by his unexpected visit and and there was much fun and laughter as we inspected this mini space age like marvel. We couldn’t believe our luck when John kindly offered us each in turn a test drive. Tea, cake and a little whiskey followed and we all squeezed in around the kitchen table to hear more exciting news and stories from John.

I next met John in my early twenties when I arrived in London for my first teaching job. My aunt Kitty, already living in London, and I would meet up with John in pubs and restaurants to hear the latest on his varied court cases and chat about friends and family in Ireland. John always paid the bill, despite our protests.

Kitty, now 94 and living in a nursing home in Dalkey, in Dublin was very sad to hear last week about John’s passing. John was very fond of Kitty, admiring her spirit and sense of fun, and he rarely missed a summer trip to Dublin to visit her.

Over the years, John and I usually managed a meet-up in London once a year and enjoyed a few fun hours discussing the ways of the world and exchanging family news. John always delighted in showing me pictures and sharing updates about PJ, Aisling, Paul, Glen, Maria and his grandchildren as well as hearing the latest news about the O’Donoghue clan.

John was often described as “a character - which actually comes from the Ancient Greek”charaktêr" - meaning to make one’s mark and John, you certainly left your mark. We will miss you !

Thank you for all the ‘craic’. Rest in Peace.

Heartfelt sympathy to John’s family.

Geraldine John, Joe, Eugene, Vincent, Brendan and Colum O’Donoghue 

1st December 2020.

There was no-one like you, John. Your kind and gentle personality, your wit and sense of humour will not be forgotten while your friends live. God bless you, old friend.

Sincere condolences to the family and friends of John, both myself and Brendan remember him with affection.
May he rest in peace.

I cant believe this sad news. You promised advance notice. What went wrong? You were a Giant Personality, marvellous human being and wonderful friend. Rest in Peace. My sicerest sympathies to your relativas and friends worldwide. Your memory lives on.

Sempre muito divertido e sagaz. Vai fazer uma falta grande. Segue em paz amigo querido.

A remarkable friend. Will be deeply missed. My sincere thoughts for the family.

So sad for the loss of such a funny and generous man. We loved his joie de vivre the moment we met John at the Irish ambassador's house in Brasilia and became friends. His knowledge of Irish history and politics fascinated us. John would crack up with laughter whenever I repeated an old ditty I used to annoy my father with when he forced me to canvass for his party in Co Cork: "Fianna Fianna Fáil, drives me up the wall!!" 
Rest in peace, good man.

Fiona Murphy

John,I owe you everything.You were,are and forever will be the father of us all.

You used to say to me "John,John,the goose is gone."

You could have at least waited till Christmas!

Along with my late dad,you were simply the greatest man I ever knew.

Say hello to him for me.

All of us, John's friends who live in Brazil are very sad about his passing.

When I learned about this, and being emotional as I am I sent him a kiss to heaven, and dropped some tears.

He was a really dear friend, the last time we saw him was last year in Eastbourne, and had the hope to meet him again, as many times as possible, fate didn't allow.

Fond memories of him will be kept in our hearts. He touched the lives of us, the ones who had the privilege of his friendship. Rest in peace, dear friend.

A good friend is gone.
John, we'll miss you!

I had the very good pleasure to know John both professionally and personally. John was much loved by all of our family as one of life’s true gentlemen. A rancour supreme!
Gone but he leaves memories of laughter, sincerity and even the odd drink.
I can only use the words that John would say at each Christmas function held by Westgate Chambers “Christmas (and the rest of the year) will not be same without you!”
Sleep peacefully
Jim & Karen