‘His clients will miss him’ Popular Longford solicitor Frank Gearty retires

​Mr Frank Gearty, a familiar face in Longford District Court, was given a fitting send-off in Courtroom 2 last Tuesday morning as colleagues marked his final day practicing criminal court proceedings.

In attendance for the speeches was Frank’s wife Carmel, members of his family, as well as colleagues and friends, including Senior Counsel Patrick Groarke and State Solicitor Mark Connellan who called in especially for the occasion.

While Frank is retiring from criminal defence and family law, he is not completely closing the door on courtroom 2 as he will still continue to look after legal proceedings for Longford County Council.

Beginning her speech, Judge Bernadette Owens reflected on the qualities that had made Frank such a respected figure, noting in particular his unwavering commitment to his clients and his in depth preparation before each case.

The Judge prompted laughter in the courtroom as she recalled how on the odd occasion, Frank would bring “along his virtual orchestra and we almost heard a violin playing in the background,” a witty nod to his ability to build a compelling case for his clients, complete with all the persuasive flourishes of a seasoned advocate.

Said Judge Owens, “In fairness to Frank, he told us about two years ago that this was his plan and that he intended to retire from district court criminal work and family law when he reached a significant birthday, which was yesterday.”

“And in spite of the fact that this tribute and this retirement has been cooking for approximately two years, I still struggled to find the words, but I’ll start by saying yesterday afternoon, Frank finished a case in our family law list. He picked up his papers and as he turned, he said, ‘That was my last family law case here in Longford District Court.’ Typical of Frank, no fuss or fanfare, just getting on with what he had to do.”

Judge Owens, noting Frank’s instinctive ability “that comes with experience to think on his feet as a case unfolded in front of him,” added, “Solicitors are officers of the court and as such, they have obligations to the court. Equally, the district court practitioner has an obligation to represent their client and one of those obligations is to ensure that the voice of their client is heard in court.”

"In this very busy and technologically advanced world, we sometimes forget that some people for a variety of reasons, perhaps poor literacy, social isolation or mental health issues will struggle to articulate their position.”

"Frank was always acutely aware of these vulnerabilities and he went to great lengths in terms of preparation and his submissions to the court to ensure that the court was fully aware of all of the relevant facts and factors for his client.”

"Now, there may have been the odd occasion when he brought along his virtual orchestra and we almost heard a violin playing in the background. Just to make sure that the court got the picture.”

“As we can see from today's list, we have a very busy court here in Longford and Frank was always prepared. He had made contact with his clients before the court. Persuasive letters and submissions were sent to the state and of course there was the well timed occasional compliment to the presiding judge,” said the Judge, again prompting laughter from the court.”

Judge Owens went on to recall Frank being at the forefront of providing advice and support to his junior colleagues, before concluding with a touching word of thanks.

“My first ‘finally’ is to thank you, Frank, for your courtesy, respect and professionalism, which you have shown to me personally since my assignment to District Nine in 2021," she said.

“My second ‘finally’ is to acknowledge that in my view, Frank has for over 40 years epitomised the role of the district court practitioner. He has shown that you can be an exemplary advocate for your client without in any way compromising your own integrity or honesty either to yourself, to your colleagues or to the court.”

“And the last ‘finally’, I know Frank, there are some aspects of practice that you still intend to continue and I'm sure that you have lots of plans for your retirement and your free days and I wish you every good health to enjoy every minute of it.”

Senior Counsel Patrick Groarke, who spoke on behalf of the legal profession in Longford, drew audible laughter when he remarked that while it was of course an important day for Frank and his family, it was also an extremely significant day for the criminal classes of Longford who would be “bitterly disappointed that Frank had decided to retire from representing them.”

"Frank qualified in 1980 when he was then let loose on an unsuspecting legal world in Longford,” he said. “He was welcomed to this court by the most senior solicitor here, John Quinn, in the autumn of that year and he has practised with tremendous skill in this court and the other courts of Longford for 46 years. And it's no surprise that he did so.”

“His father, my old friend Enda, was of course such an able solicitor and way ahead of his time, and of course, Frank’s dear brother Connor, who recently passed away and was so well loved, was a highly-respected international human rights lawyer. Frank was cut from the same cloth as his father and Connor.”

Mr Groarke told those in attendance how for over 46 years, Frank had held sway and was “a star performer” in the Longford court. He praised Frank's extensive legal knowledge, his meticulous attention to detail and his thorough preparation, highlighting the detailed instructions he took from clients, his persuasive advocacy and the charm and humour he brought to proceedings.

Mr Groarke added, “Every one of his clients received the very best of legal representation. He has been highly respected for his skills by all of the judges before whom he appeared. To have maintained such a high standard for 46 years is a tremendous record of which he should be immensely proud. His clients will certainly miss him."

Speaking on behalf of An Garda Síochána, Sergeant Enda Daly praised Frank’s positive impact in court and shared a light-hearted anecdote about their shared support of Crystal Palace.

“Myself, Frank and Lorcan (Gearty), we have a serious affliction we all suffer from in that we’re Crystal Palace fans. There'd be many days in the court Frank would come and I'd ask Frank, how are you? I'm devastated, he’d say. And I didn't know whether there was a serious case coming. It was actually the Crystal Palace result of the weekend that hadn’t gone our way!”

Recalling Frank’s tradition of spending the summer break in a lighthouse each year, Sgt Daly reflected on the reassurance he brought to the courtroom, describing him as “a lighthouse of the court”, adding, “Whenever there was a storm, he was the man and the light was always shining. Now that light's not going out, but it might not be here as often. You have earned the respect of your colleagues, members at every level and they have a genuine affection for you, Frank.”

Paying tribute on behalf of the court staff, court clerk Maggie Curley spoke warmly of the 27 years she had known Frank, saying he would be sorely missed in his familiar seat in front of the bench on criminal and family law days. She wished him all the best for the next chapter, joking that his wife Carmel might be delighted to have him home a little earlier in the evenings.

“You've been a fantastic mentor to everyone in your office and around,” said Maggie. “Frank, you are held in the highest esteem here and we would really like to thank you for all you've done for us.”

Michelle Reynolds, a protégé of Frank’s, credited him with encouraging her to take up law as a career.

“I started off as your secretary and it was through your support and guidance that I am who I am today. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be here, and for that, I will be forever grateful.”

"You've made a huge difference to me in my life and the work that I do,” she said.

“Frank, you should be very proud of what you have achieved and the positive difference that you have made to so many people here.”

State Solicitor Mark Connellan spoke of Frank’s legal expertise, describing his knowledge of the law as “unrivalled” and “quite extraordinary,” before praising the compassion and dignity he showed to every person who came before the court.

He said, “In this court, Judge, we often come across people who are at the very lowest point in their lives, and many people might just as easily pass them by. No matter how low a person is in their lives, Frank has treated them with the utmost respect. That, I think, reflects the most important part of Frank, and if I may mention Judge, his Christianity; I think that has reflected everything that Frank has done for the last 46 years.”

Thanking everyone for their lovely words, Frank said he was humbled by the speeches, adding that it was an “extraordinary pleasure” to have worked in the courts.

In a fitting speech, Frank recalled the people who had made an impact on his legal career over the years.

“When I qualified in 1980, the judge at that time was Judge Bill Tormey and I was stunned by the advocacy that I saw from my colleagues, Patrick Groarke, John Quinn, and Matt Farrell, just extraordinary advocates. I learned from the very best. John Quinn, an extraordinary defender. Then there was Judge Peter Connellan who gave me my legs because as a solicitor, you need to have confidence to be able to speak in court. And Judge Peter Connellan, I single out especially for having allowed me to rattle off. He was a wonderful person. (Judge) Aidan O’Donnell too, a lovely man from Portarlington."

“Then the unmistakable John Neilan, an extraordinary man. He manipulated the listing to make sure I did the last court case in Granard before it closed, which stayed with me. Judge Séamus Hughes, my great friend from Westport, and so sadly passed away before he finished his work; he was a consummate Judge.”

"And then you're good self Judge Owens, you administer justice in an absolutely fabulous way. You're careful and you don't waste any time. You walk through everything carefully and properly. It has been an absolute pleasure to have been before you and to work with you as you deliberate and work your way through courts.

"During all that time of the six judges that were permanently signed here, there were two people who also acted as a frontline. Michael Walsh, who was the district court clerk here and Maggie Curley. Throughout my 46 years, there were just two people who acted as chief court registrars, the visible face of the court service. Michael Walsh, who is still hale and hearty, was an extraordinary district court clerk. Then Michael brought in Maggie. I had the pleasure of working with Maggie in our first court in Granard. She was completely brilliant and remains so.”

In closing, Frank thanked the Gardaí, the probation service, his colleagues, his clients, and, in saving the best mention for last, he thanked his wonderful wife, Carmel, who was in the courtroom on the day.

As proceedings began for Frank’s final day defending, Judge Owens in one last quip, humorously remarked, “I presume Mr Gearty, that the orchestra is still on retainer for today?”

“Yes Judge, yes it is!”