'Emotional' last day for Offaly District Court judge
SPEAKING when she presided at her final sitting of Tullamore District Court on Monday, newly promoted Judge Catherine Staines said it was a “very emotional” day for her.
Judge Staines, who has been elevated to the Circuit Court after 11 years on the District Court bench in Tullamore and Portlaoise, said she was very fortunate to have worked with such a high calibre of solicitors and barristers and members of An Garda Siochana.
“I really have enjoyed my time. I looked forward to coming in every day, new challenges every day. I'm going to miss everybody,” she said.
Judge Staines remarked that she hoped to meet a similar standard of professionalism, courtesy and excellence when she begins work in the Circuit Court.
Anne Marie Kelleher (Byrne & O'Sullivan, Edenderry), congratulated Judge Staines on behalf of the solicitors in Offaly and the Midland Bar Association.
“It's a wonderful appointment and it's one well deserved,” said Ms Kelleher.
She described the judge as extremely professional and courteous to all the legal practitioners but stressed that those same qualities were extended to all clients, especially family law clients.
“You were very compassionate and you showed that compassion while still being very professional in applying the law and practising the law,” said the solicitor.
“I certainly think as well, that the voice of the child was heard in this court.”
Inspector Kieran Keyes paid tribute to Judge Staines on behalf of the gardai. He said during his eight years in her court her found her to be to be extremely helpful and amenable and a judge who was adept at “cutting to the chase and getting to the point”.
“You were extremely fair to all the garda members and to all the people who used this court,” added Inspector Keyes.
All those sentiments were echoed by Breda Costello, Courts Service, who wished the judge the very best of luck in her new position. “I'm sure in the future our paths will cross,” said Ms Costello.
Congratulations and best wishes on behalf of the press were extended by Gearoid Keegan, Tullamore Tribune, who said Judge Staines' courtesy and helpfulness had been unfailing.
Mr Keegan also said Judge Staines was the first permanent female appointment to the local District Court in recent decades and suggested that may have partly explained the caring attitude which she demonstrated while on the bench.