Arthur Blennerhassett

Who was Arthur Blennerhassett?

Arthur Blennerhassett was an Irish lawyer.

He was elected to the Irish House of Commons as Member for Tralee in 1727. He also served as Prime Serjeant and was later raised to the bench as justice of the Court of King's Bench

He was son of Robert Blennerhassett, member of the Irish House of Commons for Clonmel. He was at school in Dublin and graduated from the University of Dublin in 1708. The same year he entered the Middle Temple. He was called to the Irish Bar in 1714, King's Counsel 1728, Prime Serjeant 1742. He was raised to the bench in 1743 and served until his death in 1758. He married Mary Rice, widow of Colonel Degge. He lived at Dawson Street in Dublin and Riddlestown Park in County Limerick.

According to Elrington Ball he was falsely accused of the murder of John St Leger, a son of Viscount Doneraile, who was killed in an duel in 1720.

A portrait of the judge hangs in the library of Glin Castle.