Tributes paid to RTÉ's Cathy Halloran in Limerick Circuit Court on her last day covering cases

A JUDGE, barrister, and solicitors paid tribute to journalist Cathy Halloran after her retirement from the national broadcaster,  RTE.

The former Mid-West correspondent was thanked for her 38 years of service and wished well on her life post-RTE, on her last day of covering Limerick Circuit Court.

John O’Sullivan BL said it is a constitutional imperative that justice is administered in public and part of that involves reporting on matters  by journalists.

“Only a small minority of the public attend court proceedings, hence it is important that court proceedings be reported on by various organisations. Cathy Hallroan has been employed by RTE for many years in this region.

"On behalf of the South Western Circuit, and of all colleagues, I wish her a long and happy retirement,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

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State solicitor Padraig Mawe, speaking on behalf of himself and fellow State solicitor Brendan Gill, congratulated Ms Halloran on her long-standing professional career and spoke of how she shone a light on many issues in Limerick.

Julianne Kiely, of the Limerick Bar Association, thanked Ms Halloran for her years of work and wished her well in retirement, on behalf of solicitors in the city and county.

Judge Colin Daly, on behalf of the judiciary, said the job Ms Halloran has done is quite exceptional and she brought the highest standards to her journalism career. 

“There is enormous public interest in what goes on in both civil and criminal courts. The Fourth Estate serve a very important function in any democracy in bringing that to light and reporting it to members of the public 

“On behalf of the judiciary, I'd like to thank you and I wish you very well in the next exciting chapter of your life,” said Judge Daly.

Ms Halloran said she was taken aback with the honour and thanked one and all for their kind words. She said she had covered cases presided over by Judge Tom O’Donnell and Judge Carrol Moran for many, many years.

“The coverage of court is a particular skill for a journalist because a lot of the evidence is very difficult, very complex. Our job is to simplify that, in as much as we can, to bring these important matters and work of the courts to the public.

“I’m very surprised. I want, from the bottom of my heart, to thank you all so much for the tribute,” said Ms Halloran.