New judge appointed to three district courts in Tipperary is formally welcomed

Judge John O’Leary was formally welcomed as the new judge presiding over three south Tipperary district courts at a sitting of Carrick-on-Suir District Court last week.

The new judge was assigned by the Government last month to preside over District Courts in District No. 21 that includes Carrick-on-Suir, Clonmel and Cashel courts as well as Dungarvan District Court in west Waterford and Youghal District Court in east Cork.

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The UCD graduate worked as a solicitor in Enniscorthy, county Wexford for 36 years before he was appointed a District Court judge in May 2019.

He worked as a movable judge in District Courts up to his appointment as the judge for District No. 21 following the resignation in July of Judge Brian O’Shea who has returned to practising as a barrister in the Circuit and High Courts.

Judge O’Leary was formally welcomed by the Tipperary Solicitors Bar Association, An Garda Síochána and Courts Service representatives at Carrick-on-Suir District Court’s sitting last Wednesday, October 15.

Tipperary Solicitors Bar Association President Maura Derivan, on behalf of TSBA members, extended a very warm welcome to Judge O’Leary and wished him every success in his assignment to District No. 21.

She indicated the TSBA was keen to work and co-operate with Judge O’Leary in applying the highest standards in the administration of justice in south Tipperary and in District No. 21.

Ms Derivan, who studied Law at UCD with Judge O’Leary, said he carried throughout his life as a solicitor and judge the traits of legal knowledge, courtesy and kindness that he displayed as a law student.

The Carrick-on-Suir based solicitor noted that Judge O’Leary’s work as a solicitor before his appointment as a judge meant he was well aware of the fears and concerns of the ordinary public and pressures on solicitors, court staff, gardaí and probation officers.

The former Law Society president outlined that Judge O’Leary had already sat in Carrick-on-Suir District Court for some time in the recent past and his professionalism, expertise, courtesy and compassion were well recognised and appreciated.

Ms Derivan said she had no doubt Judge O’Leary would administer justice in District Area 21 in his usual professional, fair and compassionate manner.

Sergeant Tom O’Brien joined with Ms Derivan in welcoming Judge O’Leary on behalf of An Garda Síochána and court clerk Denise Fitzgerald welcomed him on behalf of the Courts Service and they looked forward to working with him.

Judge O’Leary expressed gratitude for the kind words of welcome expressed to him and also looked forward to working with all parties in the administration of justice in District No. 21.

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