Joe’s locks up for the final time
DURING the court’s ten plus years at its base on Dyer Street, caretaker Joe Clarke became a familiar face to all who passed through it.
From judges to criminals, solicitors to detectives Joe was always courteous and helpful, patiently answering questions for anyone needing assistance.
During his ten year tenure at the court he has seen every facet of community life; from inquests to criminal trials, family law cases to waring neighbours.
‘It’s been interesting that’s for sure,’ Joe told the Drogheda Independent. ‘It’s almost an education if you sit there and list to what goes on. It is a window into a world that most people don’t know about.
‘When I got the job the Courts Service asked me to try and assist people as best I could because most people are there for the first time and they don’t know what’s going on or where they’re supposed to go so that’s what I’ve tried to do over the years, to help people as best I can and when they shake your hand and thank you it’s very gratifying.’
Joe, who worked in BD for 35 years before taking on the role at the courthouse, admits he will be sad to see the court leave Dyer Street and to lock up the doors for the final time but says he is looking forward to doing something new.
‘I will be sad,’ said Joe. ‘It’s the end of an era, the end of my era but it’s an opportunity to do new things.
Asked if there was anything that stood out from his time at the court, Joe said there was one incident which he remembers vividly.
‘It was the time of the mini riot here in the court when the prisinoers locked themselves in the cell and they had to bring down the riot squad to get them out. That was definitely interesting!’
I’ve really enjoyed my time, Judge Brennan and Judge Coughlan have been very courteous to me and the court staff have all been very kind. Generally the local solicitors and barristers were helpful and I’ve always tried to be helpful to them and identify clients and do whatever I can to assist them.’