Bicentenary of Cavan Courthouse
'Built to administer justice under the Crown, it now exists to serve the people of our republic' -
CAVAN Courthouse is 200 years old and this week, legal professionals and members of Cavan County Council came together to mark the bicentenary of the "august" building on Farnham Street.
Construction on Cavan Courthouse was completed in 1825 at a cost of £11,000. Designed by William Farrell, it was described at the time as “a graceful structure".
It was substantially renovated and modernised by Cavan County Council in the late 1980s, with local firm P Elliott and Co. carrying out the work, which sensitively retained the building’s historical features, while creating a fit-for-purpose modern workplace.
The building is today shared by Cavan County Council and the Courts Service, and encompasses the Council Chamber, two Courtrooms, and administrative offices for both Council and Courts staff.
Attendees at the event, which was hosted by Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Cllr John Paul Feeley, included The Hon. Mr. Justice Alexander Owens, His Honour Judge John Francis Aylmer, Judge Brendan O’Reilly, CEO of the Courts Service, Angela Denning, TDs and Senators, Councillors, Barristers and Solicitors, all of whom shared memories of their association with the building.
Addressing the gathering in the Council Chamber, Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Cllr John Paul Feeley said: “The doors of this Courthouse opened in a very different Ireland. Built to administer justice under the Crown, it now exists to serve the people of our republic. It is my hope that it will continue both as a seat of justice and public administration and those who work within its walls, whatever their role, will adhere to their duty to serve the public good”.
On the night, Cathaoirleach, Cllr Feeley also made a presentation to The Hon. Mr. Justice Alexander Owens, who was recently appointed to the Court of Appeals and whose father, Tommy Owens, served as County Registrar, while his mother, Margot was a Cootehill Town Councillor.