New judge appointed to Limerick Circuit Court

A NEW judge has been appointed to Limerick Circuit Court for the South Western circuit, which covers Limerick, Clare and Kerry.

Judge Colin Daly has replaced Tom O’Donnell who retired from the bench on June 26, after serving the legal system in Limerick for almost half a century, including as both a district court and circuit court judge.

He spent the majority of the latter years of his career covering criminal matters.

On his first day behind the bench, Judge Colin Daly was welcomed to his new role by State barrister John O'Sullivan, as well as State solicitor Padraig Mawe and solicitor Ted McCarthy.

Mr O’Sullivan paid tribute to the “long line of distinguished predecessors” who have sat on the bench before Judge Daly.

He started by paying tribute to Mr Justice Barra Ó Briain, who he described as a “legendary figure” who was the captain of the guard of honour at Michael Collins’ funeral and was on horseback, as he had been a Free State army officer and later on became President of the Circuit Court and a High Court judge. In 1960 to 1963, he was made the Chief Justice of Cyprus.

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Mr O’Sullivan also paid tribute to the late Tim Desmond and John Gleeson, both from Cork, as well as Kevin O’Higgins, Sean O’Leary, Carroll Moran and most recently Tom O’Donnell.

Mr O'Sullivan finished by abiding by tradition and wished the judge a “long life and good health on the bench.”

Mr Mawe added that he hopes the judge enjoys his time in the circuit court, while Mr McCarthy welcomed him on behalf of the solicitors.

Judge Daly has previously been the President of the District Court.

Judge Daly thanked everyone for their welcome and kind words.

He said: “It gives me great pleasure to be assigned to the Munster circuit now.

“I'm no stranger to Limerick and have been sitting in Limerick for most of this year - closer to the river in Merchant's Quay.”

He also acknowledged the standard of professionalism and levels of cooperation in the circuit court and said that he's looking forward to many years ahead behind the bench in the Mulgrave Street courthouse.