Published: Thursday, 21st January, 2010 2:00pm

Retiring Chief Court Clerk bade farewell

A social and presentation was held to mark the recent retirement of Noel Brennan as chief court clerk of Cavan District Court. Noel had 40 years' service, the last 10 of which he served as chief clerk of the Cavan District Court; (back from left): Deirdre Lennon, district court, Jim Flynn, Paula Lyons , Diarmuid MacDiarmuida all Court Service, Brendan Ryan, Court Service CEO, Superintendent Noel Cunningham, Breda Galligan, John Coyle, both Court Service, Mary Farrell and Claire Callaghan, district court; (front) Monica Clerkin, district court, Judge Sean MacBride, Ann and Noel Brennan, Rory Hayden, state solicitor, and George Maloney, solicitor. Photo: Adrian Donohoe

Best wishes and fond farewells were freely expressed to highly respected Chief District Court Clerk, Noel Brennan, at a retirement function in the Cavan Crystal Hotel on Friday night.

Noel who has 40 years service as an officer of the district court was praised for his courtesy and professionalism by members of the judiciary present including Judge Sean MacBride, solicitors, members of the gardaí and the Probation Service.

Brendan Ryan, CEO of the Court Services, said things in the district court had changed a lot since Noel first joined the court services. Back in 1971/72, the majority of chief court clerks were males but women have come to the fore. His replacement is Audrey Cadden who comes from the Trim District Court office.

"It is good to see so many former chief court clerks present here tonight to pay tribute to Noel." Mr. Ryan thanked them all for their great service over the years.

However, when the court services was established in 1997, Noel play a major role in getting it set up. Noel began his working life with Louth County Council in 1967 as an engineer's assistance. Later he joined the district court and served in Kilkenny, Brady, Dundalk, Donegal and twice in Cavan. Having served in Cavan during the 70s, he returned as Chief Court Clerk in 2000. "He has played a leading role in the success of the court services and the small claims court."

Continuing Mr. Ryan said Noel epitomised everything that is good in the public service. "If you were passing Cavan Courthouse on a Saturday and you saw the light on, it would be Noel working away." He was a very dedicated person. "I'm delighted to be here to wish him, his wife Ann and his family long years of happiness in his retirement."

Judge Sean MacBride said Noel had given outstanding public service to Cavan. "I first got to know Noel when he had just got married and was based in Inishowen in Donegal in 1979 and was appointed chief clerk in Buncrana. He was always very accurate with his advice.

"Little did I know that our path would cross again many years later when I was appointed permanent judge for Cavan in 2004." His knowledge of district court procedure is second to none. He is up there with the best of them, the judge said. "We still meet from time to time and our friendship will endure."

Rory Hayden, State Solicitor and president of the Cavan Bar Association, said he got to know Noel since he came back to Cavan. "He loved Cavan so much that he came back twice." It was a pleasure to work with him over the years.

Noel's greatest interests are golf and travel but his third was displayed about two or three years ago at the Christmas dinner hosted by Judge MacBride when he regaled everyone with music and song on his accordion. Mr. Hayden was glad to see Noel's predecessor Jim Beirne present.

"I'm 28 years practising here in Cavan and during that time there have been four district court judges, four state solicitors but only two chief district court clerks. There must be a message in that."

Aine Murray on behalf of the Probation Service thanked Noel for all his assistance and them over the last ten years. "I always found him kind and courteous."

Superintendent Noel Cunningham on behalf of the gardaí thanked Noel for all his sound advice down through the years. Noel ran an efficient office and was a great man to have at the helm. He had a frenzied knowledge of the law and he would not give an answer unless he had the right answer.

Clare Callaghan, Cavan District Court office, said thanked everyone for attending and showing their appreciation to Noel. "Noel was very dedicated to the court services all through his life." He was a wonderful person to work with and was always available for advice and support. Over the years he was great office manger and set very high standard, Ms. Callaghan added.

Replying Mr. Brennan said he was told to keep his speech short. He wanted to thank everyone for coming along. "I have to correct Brendan in that I began working for CIE in 1966 as a temporary officer. After nine months I was let go and I have been struggling." He saw an add for a district court clerk and applied. Mr. Brennan thanked Judge MacBride, Clare and Monica for organising the event for him. "So far so good.I'm enjoying my retirement."

He thanked the staff in his office over the years. "I would like to wish my successor well in her new job." He also paid tribute to Geoffrey McGonigle.

Mr. Brennan was not long in the job when he was posted to Kilkenny before coming to Cavan under the tutelage of Jim Beirne. "He thought me everything I know about the job. It is good to see him here tonight having retired ten years ago."

He thanked Judge MacBride for five years of kindness. He was most supportive toward me and my staff and was willing to help us out whenever we had any difficulty. "He is the hardest working judge I have ever worked with." He puts in very long hours and its a great tribute to him, Mr. Brennan added.

Mr. Brennan also paid tribute to the County Registrar Joe Smith and his staff, the gardaí, the Probation Service, and members of the press he worked with down through the years.

He also thanked his wife Ann, son Niall, daughter Roisin, brothers and sisters and two grand children who flew in from Washington.