TRIBUTES: ‘Nenagh Courthouse will always be Judge MacGrath’s courthouse’

The flag was flown at half-mast at Nenagh District Court as colleagues and friends of Judge Elizabeth Macgrath assembled to pay tribute, following her passing. 

Tributes were paid by members of An Garda Siochana, the prison service, solicitors, the media and court staff. 

In an emotional address, Circuit Court  Judge Catherine Staines described her late colleague and friend as “totally dedicated” and “extremely hard working.”

Judge Staines said she remembers how happy Judge MacGrath was to be appointed to the bench. And that “she was a person of great compassion” for those who came before her.

“She was delighted to be appointed a judge and after her time as a movable judge travelling around the country, she was even more happy to be appointed in Tipperary,” said Judge Staines. Court Registrar in Nenagh Tommy Mockler said he was both sad and proud to speak on behalf of the court staff.

He described Judge MacGrath as “patient,” willing to “help everyone along” and “always up for a chat.”

“She was the cornerstone of the court—someone we always want to please and never disappoint. 

“She was a true people person and always up for some fun. “To me, Nenagh courthouse will always be Judge MacGrath’s courthouse,” said Mr Mockler.

Solicitor Maria Flanagan called Judge MacGrath a “dear friend.”

Ms Flangan said she had imagined paying these tributes of congratulations to Judge MacGrath on her retirement. 

But, she said Judge MacGrath was a “very humble” person and would not have sought the praise she received.

“She saw everyone as an equal and that is how she conducted her business,” said Ms Flanagan.   

Ms Flanagan told those assembled that Judge MacGrath was the first female solicitor to set up in Nenagh and “used her legal knowledge to benefit society.”

“There is no doubt Liz was a good colleague and we will miss her,” said Ms Flanagan.

On behalf of the local media, Nenagh Guardian journalist Peter Gleeson said he had never heard Judge MacGrath say a “cross word” and quipped that it was “frustrating” for the reporters trying to write headlines. 

On a personal note, Mr Gleeson said he grew up with the late judge and she had been his solicitor before she was appointed to the bench. 

“She was a lovely, kind person, compassionate with a sense of social justice,” said Mr Gleeson.