New State Solicitor welcomed to court

“What will happen to the ‘gamekeepers left behind’?” That was the question posed as the county's first female State Solicitor, Fiona Baxter, took up residence at Cavan Circuit Court last week.

Among her legal colleagues, there was unanimous agreement that the work of criminal defenders has just become more challenging, owing to Ms Baxter’s astuteness and clear aptitude for her new position.

The Michaelmas term opened with presiding Judge John Aylmer welcoming Ms Baxter to her appointment.

A native of Ballymachugh, she qualified as a solicitor in 2010, beginning her career at John M. Quinn & Co Solicitors in Longford Town. She later acquired the well-established practice of Bríd Mimnagh in 2020, forming Baxter Mimnagh Solicitors, and in June she was honoured as Civil Litigation Lawyer of the Year for Leinster.

Appointed State Solicitor for County Cavan in July, Ms Baxter succeeds Rory Hayden, who retired after 30 years of public service at the end of September.

Judge Aylmer noted, if Ms Baxter brings the same “skill and dedication” to prosecution as she did to defence, she will be a “formidable” courtroom opponent.

Frank Martin BL, speaking for the Bar Association, observed that Ms Baxter is well accustomed to the profession’s cut and thrust, having been at the “heart of the battle” in many cases.

As State prosecutor for Monaghan and standing in for Monica Lawlor BL in Cavan this sessions, he said the State is “delighted” to have Ms Baxter on its side.

Representing the Cavan Solicitors’ Association, Noel O’Gorman welcomed and congratulated Ms Baxter, remarking that it is always noteworthy when a “poacher turns gamekeeper”, though it is “never good news for the poachers left behind”.

He added that she can rely on the continued co-operation of local solicitors.

Further welcomes were extended by Sergeant James McGovern on behalf of An Garda Síochána, and by Norah Rafferty of the Cavan Court Office.

Addressing the court, Ms Baxter said she was “honoured to have been entrusted” with the role by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Catherine Pearse, and to be given the opportunity to become the first female State Solicitor in County Cavan. “Over the coming years, I hope to serve and represent the Director and the People of the County of Cavan with integrity and to the highest possible standards.”

She expressed particular gratitude to Stephanie O’Brian and her team at the DPP’s office for their “assistance and guidance” and “continued support”.

“Since being appointed, I have been very overwhelmed by the huge amount of good wishes and support that I have received. I would like to thank my solicitor colleagues, Frank and Monica, members of An Garda Síochána, and the Court Service, particularly Inspector Michéal O’Donoghue, Sergeant Damien Galligan, Fiona [O’Reilly] and Nora in the Court Service,” whose help in “assisting me in settling into the role” she described as invaluable.

She also gave a “special mention” to her predecessor, Mr Hayden, for his mentorship.

“He has been extremely generous with his time in showing me the ropes. I hope that I can display some of the attributes that he was so well known for throughout his career, particularly his empathy, his pragmatic approach, his courtesy and respect to colleagues and to the court.”

On a personal note, Ms Baxter concluded by thanking her family - her husband David, her parents Henry and Geraldine - as well as solicitor Bríd Mimnagh, Benedicte Rohon, and all her “colleagues and friends” at her “second family” at Baxter Mimnagh.