Warm tributes in court as solicitor Fiona Gallagher is welcomed
IT was a proud day for the Gallagher law firm on Wednesday at Tubbercurry District Court as the third generation of Gallagher solicitors was warmly welcomed to court.
Fiona Gallagher was introduced to the court by her father, Declan who runs the firm Rochford Gallagher & Co along with Fiona’s uncle Eamonn, who was also in court.
Declan said it was immensely proud day for him and the whole family.
He said after a long list of introductions in the past he was now very proud to introduce his daughter.
Fiona first went to national school in Rathcormac, then secondary school in the Ursuline College before studying Law and French Law in UCD and going on to Blackhall Place.
He added: “It goes without saying that her mother has been her main motivation,” telling Judge Kevin Kilrane that Fiona will diligently follow the fine list of solicitors making appearances before him and how she will work hard along with the court staff, solicitors, barristers and most importantly with members of the public. “Fiona is the third generation of our solicitors’ practice and it is a very proud day for us all.”
Judge Kevin Kilrane said it was a special day and welcomed Fiona to the court.
“It’s joyous to see her proud dad beaming with delight,” adding it doesn’t happen too often with a father introducing his daughter to the court.
He also said it was a very proud moment for her mother too.
He said it’s now quite difficult to graduate as a solicitor as the failure rate is quite high and commended Fiona on making it through as a solicitor in court.
He added that it’s a very exciting time for solicitors in Ireland compared to five years ago when economically solicitors were going through a difficult time.
“People were challenged with the fear of depression but now we are in springtime.”
He did say rural practices are challenging by not specialising in a field of law, solicitors having everything thrown at them including the kitchen sink.
“As was said before all you ever do is leave your client in a better way.
“You come from a very reputable stable of lawyers in the Gallagher family and you are very lucky to be with the Sligo Bar association, a reputable association.
“I wish you the very best with your career,” the judge added.
Inspector Paul Kilcoyne welcomed the new solicitor on behalf of an Garda Síochána and ensured she will have every co-operation from gardaí and wished her well.
Treena Hever also welcomed Fiona on behalf of the Court Service complimenting the long history of good relationships between the firm and the Court Service.
Fiona Gallagher then addressed the court for the first time. She thanked everyone for their kind words and said she was honoured to be part of the legal community and thanked her colleagues in the bar for their support in her short time as a solicitor and said she was extremely grateful.
She said she was honoured to be holding the traditions of the Rochford Gallagher & Co firm adding it was a special day being third generation of the Gallagher family.
“I’m privileged to be part of the firm that my dad Declan and uncle Eamonn welcomed me with open arms.
“During my training Eamonn took me under his wing and I am thankful for that. I want to thank my parents Declan and Carol for their support and encouragement, giving me the best education and every opportunity to succeed.” She thanked all of the team in Rochford Gallagher & Co too. “I really look forward to life as a solicitor,” Fiona added.