New judge welcomed to Clare

Judge Patrick Durcan was warmly received at a gathering of solicitors, gardaí and court service staff at Ennis Court House last Friday, where the Clare Law Association formally welcomed the Mayo man to the county.
Judge Durcan was appointed to the Clare District Court area in December and took up the post this month.
At the event, Marie Keane, president of the Clare Law Association, welcomed Judge Durcan, commenting on his vast and extensive experience following 39 years in private general practice in his native Westport.
She commented on the judge’s “excellent” reputation as a practitioner and his “courteous” nature, which would influence his work on the bench.
Ms Keane also spoke of Judge Durcan’s long and distinguished record in the public service, having served as a town councillor for Westport, county councillor with Mayo County Council and as a senator.
Judge Durcan outlined to those gathered that he felt there were a lot of similarities to County Mayo in County Clare, as they are both rural counties and a lot of the issues would be the same in both places. He talked about treating all those who come before the court with respect and stated that the court is not his court nor is it the court of the practitioners but rather the people’s court.
He added that it is a very challenging time for solicitors and he hoped that the practitioners would work together to make things as efficient as possible. Clare’s Garda Chief Superintendent John Kerin also spoke and welcomed Judge Durcan, congratulating him on his appointment.
He welcomed the judge’s remarks that he would deal with everyone who came before him with courtesy and respect and Chief Superintendent Kerin said this is something the gardaí were very much in favour of.
He said that “no one should be in fear of coming to court”.
Manager of Clare’s combined court service office, Josephine Tone, also spoke and told the judge the service would offer any assistance it could and is delighted to be working with him.
Following the formal welcoming, those present attended an informal gathering at The Old Ground, where Judge Durcan met with members of the law profession, gardaí and members of the court service.