Judge Albert O'Dea received a standing ovation at Ennis District Court from members of the public, the legal profession and gardai to mark his retirement as District Court judge in Clare.
A native of Iarnpool, Kilconly, Co Galway, Judge O'Dea was educated at Kilconly National School, St Jarlath's College, Tuam and NUI Galway. He qualified as a solicitor in 1955 and practised in Galway city until his elevation to the bench in 1983.