New solicitor welcomed to Cavan

Catherine Dolan was welcomed as a new solicitor to Cavan District Court last week.

Ms Dolan, daughter of the late Niall Dolan, and Anne Dolan, also both solicitors, is a native of Virginia and graduated from UCD with a First Class Honours Bachelor of Business and Law Degree in 2020.

She completed her traineeship at Byrne Wallace, a leading Irish corporate law firm, and qualified as a solicitor in 2023, joining Sheehan & Partners LLP the following year.

Catherine, who has played football at senior inter-county level and continues to play with Lurgan Ladies, was recipient of the Harry Hill Award for best speaker in the All-Ireland Public Access to Law competition.

She was also a winning team member of the Legal Advice Competition in Bocconi University, Milan.

She will join her parent's former firm, AB O'Reilly Dolan in Cootehill, and was introduced Cavan District Court and to Judge Raymond Finnegan by firm solicitor Martin Cosgrove.

He said that he had worked with Ms Dolan's parents for more than 30 years. Niall Dolan passed away in June 2014.

Mr Cosgrove said Ms Dolan is a practised advocate in the District Court, and arrives at a time when it is “hard to get young people” out of the city to work in places like Cavan.

Sergeant Damien Galligan said he knew Ms Dolan from her exploits on the playing pitch as a forward winning multiple titles for both club and county, and hoped she would “not be as successful” in any courtroom battles to come.

Jacqueline Maloney, on behalf of the Cavan Solicitors Bar Association, welcomed Ms Dolan and assured her that she would have the support of her fellow colleagues. She remarked how she “comes from good stock”.

Sara Brennan BL, on behalf of barristers, said it was important to see “new blood” and wished her the very best with her career in future.

Ms Dolan was also welcomed by the court service who assured her of their co-operation.

Judge Finnegan said he too knew both Ms Dolan's parents, noting that they were “skilled advocates”.

“I've no doubt some of that has rubbed off on you,” said the judge, adding that she is “very lucky” to have the support of such esteemed colleagues, including Mr Cosgrove.

Ms Dolan responded by thanking everyone for their kind comments, and stating that she looks forward to working alongside them in future.