Circuitbackafter30years
IT was an historic occasion for Drogheda’s legal profession on Tuesday March 20th, when the new courthouse played host to the Circuit Court for the first time in almost 30 years.
The last time a Circuit Court case was heard was in 1992, and retired solicitors from the town marked the event with a special visit to the new location, where Judge Eoin Garavan was presiding over the landmark sitting.
Current President of the Drogheda Solicitors Association Colm Berkery, who has been campaigning for the permanent return of Drogheda to the Circuit Court route since the 90s, addressed the court and spoke of his joy at seeing his goal finally achieved.
‘ The first sitting in 30 years is a momentous occasion and the first of many, I hope,’ he said to the assembled courtroom.
‘I want to acknowledge the presence of my retired colleagues Vincent Hoey, Neil Matthews, former State Solicitor Gerard Daly, retired Judge John O’Hagan and others who have been waiting for this day for a long time.’
Indeed, two of the retired gentlemen had vivid memories of the last time Drogheda hosted Circuit sittings.
‘ The old courthouse was declared unsafe in the 70s, with a huge crack appearing right above the Judge’s head, straight through the harp on the wall ’ said Mr Hoey, who served the town for decades as a distinguished solicitor.
‘It was moved to temporary accommodation in the ballroom of the White Horse Hotel in West Street, (now the Westcourt Hotel), and we would have to sit with balloons from a party the night before hanging over our heads on the ceiling,’ added Mr Matthews with a laugh.
Having campaigned tirelessly for an improved courthouse in the town, as well as a return to the Circuit Court, they are all delighted to see it finally happen
‘When the President of the Circuit Court heard we were to have new facilities here in Drogheda, he insisted it could take a Jury Court, as he couldn’t believe a town this size wasn’t a Circuit town,’ said Mr Berkery.
‘When you think of the inconvenience to so many over the years - doctors, solicitors, barristers, gardai, judges - not to mention the amount of money that left the town - it really is long overdue.’
Newly sitting Judge Garavan paid tribute to the facilities, saying they should be very proud of what they achieved.
‘It seems a of work and history has gone into producing this magnificent edifice, and it really is a fantastic place to work’, Judge Garavan said in response to Mr Berkery’s address.
‘It is an historic occasion for the town, and I hope it becomes a weekly or monthly occasion.’