End of an era in Offaly Courts as Judge John Neilan moves on

“A significant day in the administration of justice in the Tullamore District,” is how Superintendent Denis Bowe described the final sitting of a judge who he said enhanced the quality of life in Tullamore because of the manner in which he carried out his functions.He said Judge Neilan had many fine qualities which he brought to the fore, describing him as very conscientious, showing great consideration and the ability to ‘give time to each case, assess the information and come to the right decision for the benefit of all’.

The Superintendent highlighted Judge Neilan’s ‘great capacity to assess a situation’ and his ‘great recall’, saying he would remind the Gardaí ‘in no uncertain terms’ if they omitted something.

He thanked the judge for his support of the Gardaí, especially for new members coming to court for the first time, for Inspectors Pat Murray and Joe Prendergast and the sergeants and for his loyal service to the people.

Solicitor Brian Adams recognised Judge Neilan for his ‘time and patience given to defendants’.

He said this would be his abiding memory of a judge who is an “astute reader of the human personality,” who would take the time if he felt there was a possibility of getting someone on the straight and narrow.
There are many who can safely say that if it wasn’t for Judge Neilan, they wouldn’t be where they are today, he added.

Ms Mary Cummins from the Probation Services added her good wishes, saying they had enjoyed a good working relationship with the judge who had a great understanding of their role.

She commented on the ‘great compassion’ shown in his decisions and how he understood the problems defendants faced in their daily lives.

On behalf of the press, Gearóid Keegan complimented ‘the most entertaining judge’ the district had seen. He said that journalists need good copy or they are out of a job – and it is easier to count the days on which the judge didn’t provide good copy for journalists than those on which he did.

Ms Ann Fitzgibbon added her good wishes on behalf of the court staff.

– Offaly Independent