Directors
Enda McGarrity
Director
Overview
Enda is a Director and Head of Human Rights and Public Law at P.A. Duffy & Co Solicitors.
Having joined the firm in 2018 as a paralegal following his honours degree from Queen’s University Belfast, he completed his solicitor apprenticeship with the firm and since qualification, has established himself as a leading practitioner in public law litigation.
Enda advises on sensitive, complex and high‑profile matters across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, including Public Inquiries, Inquests, Judicial Review proceedings and complex litigation against State authorities. His practice includes wrongful death claims and strategic challenges aimed at securing accountability where fundamental rights are engaged. He is instructed in a number of major inquiries and inquests, representing bereaved families and survivors in proceedings arising from serious state failings.
Alongside his inquiry and inquest work, Enda is developing a strong reputation in Planning and Environmental Law. He acts for individuals and community groups seeking redress and accountability for environmental damage caused by pollution, including ongoing litigation relating to the ecological crisis affecting Lough Neagh and the emergence of widespread blue‑green algae. This work places him at the forefront of environmental public law challenges in Northern Ireland.
Enda is recognised for his meticulous case preparation, principled advocacy and strategic approach. He is driven by a strong commitment to assisting vulnerable individuals and those unable to advocate for themselves. During his training, he completed a five‑week human rights internship in Cape Town, South Africa, providing legal assistance to refugees and members of the LGBTQI community experiencing discrimination. He continues to accept pro bono instructions in cases raising issues of public interest and social importance.
Outside of practice, Enda is an active member of Galbally Pearses GAC, serving on the club’s Executive Committee. He has received an Ulster Colleges All‑Star and Gaelic Life All‑Star and was selected for the Elite Athlete Programme at Queen’s University Belfast. He is also a longstanding member of St Ciaran’s Peregrini, a charity supporting community and education projects in Zambia, which he has visited on four occasions in a voluntary capacity.
Notable Cases / Projects
UK Covid Inquiry: Recognised Legal Representative for Covid Bereaved Families for Justice NI at the London based public inquiry into the handling of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland and the UK;
Omagh Bombing Inquiry: Recognised Legal Representative for bereaved family and survivor core participants in the ongoing public Inquiry.
In the matter of Shawneen Conway -v- Government of Ireland, the Attorney General and the Taoiseach: ongoing judicial review challenging the Irish Government's failure to establish a parallel Inquiry or effective investigation in the Republic of Ireland in relation to the Omagh Bombing.
In the matter of Declan Conlon -v- DAERA: representing the applicant, a Lough Neagh eel fisherman, in an ongoing judicial review challenging failures to the Department to address the blue green algae and ecological crisis in Lough Neagh.
Inquests in to the deaths of Erin Harbinson and Lynsey Courtney: representing the bereaved families in two separate but related Inquests concerning the death's of two young women from cervical cancer in the context of the Cervical Screening recall scandal in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust.
Ladies with Letters: representation of the campaign group who are seeking a public inquiry to investigate failings in the cervical screening programme in Northern Ireland.
Inquest in to the deaths of Lauren Bullock, Morgan Barnard and Conor Currie (Greenvale Inquest): representing the Bullock family in an upcoming inquest concerning the tragic deaths of three teenagers at the Greenvale disco in Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, in 2019.
Inquest in to the death of Denis Donaldson: representing the bereaved family in the upcoming Inquest in Co. Donegal concerning the murder of Denis Donaldson in 2006. Also instructed in related civil proceedings.
In the matter of Gemma Martin -v- Mid Ulster District Council: successful judicial review challenge to the approval of planning permission for residential and retail units at Scotch Street, Dungannon.
Arlene O Connor Walshe v CareChoice Ltd - undisclosed settlement of wrongful death action against a Cork nursing home in relation to alleged failures in infection prevention and control during the Covid-19 pandemic. The case is one of five related settlements which are believed to be the first of their kind in Ireland.
Blessing Marindo v Department of Home Affairs for South Africa – Judicial Review challenge against the Department’s decision to withdraw refugee status and deport a blind refugee who was fleeing political violence in Zimbabwe. The challenge was conceded by the Respondents. Our client’s refugee status was reinstated and he was granted leave to remain in South Africa. Enda was an intern for an NGO known as PASSOP and worked in conjunction with the Legal Resources Centre in Cape Town.