International legal conference opens with timely debate on implications of doping and ethics in sport

“Sport is at a fragile crossroads, and we shouldn’t underestimate how profoundly the idea of enhancement could reshape its future.”, that’s according to renowned sports journalist and author of ‘Seven Deadly Sins: My Pursuit of Lance Armstrong’, David Walsh who addressed delegates at the opening session of Dublin International Disputes Week (DIDW) 2025, today (21.10.25) in College Green Hotel.

Alongside leading sports law barrister Susan Ahern SC and panel moderator, former RTÉ journalist Eileen Dunne, Walsh discussed the legal and ethical implications of the Enhanced Games on international sports and athletes, kicking off Ireland’s flagship international legal conference.

Organised by Ireland for Law, the Government’s initiative to promote Irish law and legal services globally, DIDW is now in its fourth year, and has become a global gathering point for leaders in law, business and policy.

Also speaking as part of the two-day conference, Rossa Fanning SC, Attorney General of Ireland addressed delegates and Hon. Mr. Justice David Barniville, President of the High Court, chaired a judicial panel on ‘The Importance of the Rule of Law and a Robust Legal System for Business and Economic Development’ featuring Chief Justice Donal O’Donnell and Dame Siobhan Keegan, Lady Chief Justice of Northern Ireland. 

Shining a spotlight on historic and international disputes

Later today, award-winning journalist Krishnan Guru-Murthy will deliver a keynote address at the Annual Gala Dinner in The Kevin Barry Recital Room in the National Concert Hall, which hosted the Dáil Éireann debates on ratification of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1922. Guru-Murthy will offer a global media lens on law, politics, and international relations.

Running from Monday, 20th to Thursday, 23rd October, DIDW is expected to welcome over 300 delegates from Ireland, the UK, the US, and beyond. In addition to the two-day main conference, DIDW events hosted by Irish Law Firms throughout the week will explore emerging challenges and innovations in global dispute resolution, arbitration, and legal practice.

Other DIDW 2025 speakers include:

·         Emily Logan, Police Ombudsman

·         Richard Turney KC, Landmark Chambers

·         Katie Chandler, Taylor Wessing

·         Hon. Mr. Justice Liam Kennedy

·         Davi Pere, Avocat Général, Paris

·         Lucy Pert, Co-Head of Commercial Disputes, Hausfeld

Angela Brennan, Co-Chair of the DIDW Steering group commented: “We are delighted to welcome delegates from around the world to Dublin International Disputes Week 2025. Year-on-year, DIDW continues to grow as a platform for global dialogue on the evolving landscape of dispute resolution.”

Stephen O’Connor, Co-Chair of the DIDW Steering group added:

“With contributions from world-renowned legal minds, senior members of the judiciary, and leading commentators like Krishnan Guru-Murthy, this year’s programme reflects both the calibre and diversity of thought that DIDW represents. Ireland has a unique role in global legal services, and DIDW is a key part of showcasing that to the world.”

As lead sponsor of this year’s DIDW, Legora, an innovative legal technology company specialising in collaborative AI solutions for lawyers, will host a dedicated workshop showcasing AI-Driven workflow design.

Alex Fortescue-Webb, Head of UK and Ireland at Legora. said: “Dublin International Disputes Week exemplifies the kind of forward-thinking, global collaboration that aligns perfectly with Legora’s mission to transform legal practice through intelligent, secure AI tools.

“We are proud to support this first-class gathering of legal minds and to demonstrate how innovation in legal technology can empower dispute resolution and foster access to justice across jurisdictions.”