Departing judge calls recently-retired Tom O’Donnell his ‘mentor’

LIMERICK has lost two circuit court judges in a matter of weeks with long-serving Judge Tom O'Donnell retiring in June and Judge Dermot Sheehan being permanently appointed to the Cork Circuit.

Tributes were paid to Judge Sheehan last week at the conclusion of the Trinity term. He sat in Limerick Courthouse in Mulgrave Street for the best part of a year and a half.

Prosecuting barrister John O’Sullivan began proceedings after Judge Sheehan took his seat on Wednesday morning. Speaking on behalf of the South Western Circuit, he wished the departing judge a long life and continued good health on the bench.

Mr O’Sullivan said Judge Sheehan “very much carried on the fine tradition of Cork judges who we were lucky enough to have preside in the circuit”.

“Thank you for your consideration and courtesy to all the citizens who have appeared before you, gave evidence as victims of crime and appeared before you as accused persons. I wish you success, long life and good health on the bench in Cork and wherever else,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

State solicitor Padraig Mawe addressed the judge in Irish before saying on behalf of himself, former and current State solicitors Aidan Judge and Brendan Gill, Director of Public Prosecutions and her staff, and all the State authorities he represents, “I would like to thank you for your efficiency and professionalism in the administration of justice here in Limerick”.

“You navigated some difficult cases with skill and patience to appropriate outcomes.  You have always been very kind, courteous and patient with practitioners, service users and all stakeholders. 

“Hopefully, what you have gleaned and possibly learned here in Limerick can be utilised in Cork and I wish you all the very best,” said Mr Maw.

Michael O’Donnell, on behalf of Limerick solicitors, echoed Mr O’Sullivan’s and Mr Mawe’s kind words and noted how “very nice and fair” the judge was in administering justice.

Sergeant Tony Miniter, on behalf of An Garda Siochana and Chief Superintendent Derek Smart, thanked Judge Sheehan for everything he has done during his tenure in Limerick. “The very best of luck on your new journey in the real capital,” said Sgt Miniter.  

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Judge Sheehan thanked one and all for their kind words.

“It's been a privilege to work here in Limerick with you. We judges are obviously independent office holders but it has become fashionable now to have a mentor.

“I adopted a mentor - I  don’t know if he realised that - but it was the recently retired Judge O’Donnell. I regarded him as my mentor. I wouldn't say I plagued him with questions but questions I brought to him were answered with great learning and great care. He helped me. I'll miss having Judge O’Donnell next door to help me along the way,” said Judge Sheehan.

He said he might appear again “in this very courtroom” if called upon to do so. 

“I thoroughly enjoyed being a judge of this circuit,” said Judge Sheehan, who thanked practitioners for their support and kind words.