of Northern Ireland. In 1929 Hugh Kennedy succeeded in making knowledge of Irish compulsory for admission to King's Inns. Academic life With courses taught by expert law practitioners, King's Inns students include leaders, advocates, innovators and game-changers from industries across Ireland and abroad. The School is also a centre of excellence in promoting the use of the Irish language in the law. All courses are suitable for those in full–time employment, with classes taking place early morning, evening, or the weekend. Many lectures are delivered live online as well as recorded for viewing at a later stage through our Virtual Learning Environment, where lecture notes and supplemental reading are provided ahead of class time. Each course is delivered by an array of visiting speakers from the legal, business and communication industries, including senior members of the judiciary. They are all willing to share their vast knowledge and experience with students at King's Inns. Profile The society had generally kept a low profile in current affairs in Ireland, though it did come to prominence in 1972, when financial difficulties led to it selling a considerable stock of non-legal books it had in its library. The library collection dates from the end of the 18th century (when it also adopted its motto 'Nolumus mutari'), and was based in part on that of Christopher Robinson, senior puisne judge of the Court of King's Bench (Ireland), who died in 1787. Books were sold at auction at Sotheby's, London, and a considerable stock of them was sold to clients outside Ireland. This was seen at the time as a major cultural outflow, as many of the books were of historical and cultural significance. In addition, its library had received an annual grant since 1945 for the upkeep of the books from the Irish Exchequer. A King's Inns team or individual has often won the Irish Times National Debating Championship, and in 2010 won the European Universities Debating Championships. In 2006 the Inns' hurling team competed in and won the Fergal Maher Cup (3rd Level Division 3) in their inaugural year and subsequently reached the final and semi-final. The Hungry Tree, a London Plane that is encapsulating a park bench lies in the grounds of the King's Inns, near the south gate. Notable alumni and academics See also Category:Alumni of King's Inns See also Northern Ireland Inn of Court References Notes Citations External links Official site