Tributes were yesterday paid to the longest-serving Circuit Court judge in the country, Judge Patrick Moran, when he retired after nearly 25 years on the bench, including 23 years hearing civil and criminal cases in Cork.
A native of Mulranny, Co Mayo, Judge Moran, who practised on the western circuit as a barrister, was appointed a Circuit Court judge in 1988 and in 1990 he was assigned to Cork Circuit Court.
Father of the Cork Bar Don McCarthy BL led the tributes, praising Judge Moran for his hard work, courtesy and sympathy for victims and defendants.
President of the Circuit Court Judge Raymond Groarke praised him for his belief in “the good of people”. Tributes were also paid by president of the Southern Law Association Michael Enright, and on behalf of the State solicitors by Barry Galvin.
Chief Supt Mick Finn thanked Judge Moran for the courtesy he had always shown to gardaí.
Judge Moran paid tribute to members of the Cork Bar and the Southern Law Association for their integrity and honesty.
“I will hopefully resume serious reading, perhaps do a little more travelling, and endeavour to learn a little more – thank you all for your patience, your courtesy, your understanding and your respect towards me,” he concluded to applause from the 250 people present.
