The event, held in the Examination Hall, brought together students, staff, and guests for one of the significant dates in the School’s academic calendar. This year’s address, titled "Democratic Erosion and the Rule of Law: Lessons from the EU and the US", provided an examination of the pressures facing by democratic institutions across the Western world. 

Ms O’Reilly interrogated the "new tensions" confronting the rule of law in countries once considered bastions of stability. She explored how declining support for human rights, coupled with increasing political pushback, has begun to reveal the limits of existing legal frameworks and institutional safeguards. 

Focusing specifically on the European Union, the discussion challenged the audience to consider whether the EU and its partners possess the political will and the necessary institutional mechanisms to counter democratic regression effectively. 

About the Speaker 

Emily O’Reilly is an author and former journalist. In 2003, she was appointed as Ireland's first female Ombudsman and Freedom of Information Commissioner. Her distinguished career continued on the European stage when she was elected by the European Parliament as European Ombudsman in 2013, a role in which she served with distinction through re-elections in 2014 and 2019. As the watchdog of the EU administration, her remit included oversight of the European Central Bank (ECB), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and the European Investment Bank (EIB). 

The Brian Lenihan Memorial Lecture was established to facilitate discussion on the intersection of legal and political issues, honouring the legacy of the late Brian Lenihan. 

The evening also served as an introduction to the 18th Trinity College Law Student Colloquium, which commences today, 27 February 2026. The 18th Colloquium programme focus on international, criminal, family, and tort law, with panels exploring diverse topics such as the ICJ’s advisory opinion on climate change and the implications of AI-related harm. This year's scholars also examine critical social issues, including domestic violence law and informed medical consent. 

The School of Law extends its sincere thanks to Emily O’Reilly for her contribution and to all those who attended and supported this event.