William MacMahon

Despite what was called his "spluttering" manner, and a tendency to verbal gaffes, he built up a very large practice, second only to that of Daniel O'Connell,[1] whom he remembered with gratitude for having befriended him, at a time when most other barristers looked down on him as the son of a minor official.

William had another brother Sir Thomas McMahon, 2nd Baronet, who succeeded to John's title by special remainder, and at least one sister, Mrs. O'Halloran.

However, the appointment of Sir Michael Smith in 1801 had been made in an effort to turn the office into a full-time judicial position which would attract first-class lawyers.

In fact, according to Elrington Ball, there was no protest and the appointment worked out far better than had been feared: William had a reputation for integrity, was popular and hospitable, and a fairly good lawyer.

[5] An obituary notice published soon after his death in January 1837 bears Ball's assessment out: MacMahon was praised for integrity and lack of political prejudice and as an exceptionally painstaking and conscientious judge; while the writer admitted that William was very slow in giving judgment, this was attributed to his desire to ensure that justice was done.