Probation officer praised for years of outstanding work

A retiring probation officer has spoken about the 'profound effects of addiction, domestic violence and mental health difficulties' on her final week in court.

Judy Quinlan has served with the Probation Service in Mayo for 28 years and glowing tributes were paid to her at Castlebar District Court as she retired from the role. 

Solicitor Gary Mulchrone, who is the president of the Mayo Solicitors' Bar Association, thanks Ms Quinlan for her dedicated service, noting that she had "become a de facto fixture of the court [in Castlebar], having soldiered on for years as the sole probation officer attached before being joined by colleagues in more recent years".

Mr Mulchrone praised her "Delaware drawl and sunny disposition", saying she was always easy to get on with, despite dealing daily with people whose lives were in turmoil. He said she worked hard with clients on a one-to-one basis, helping the court arrive at appropriate conclusions and helping all involved see "the real person behind the offender".

Both solicitors and judges, he said, were often left scrambling to understand what was going on in a case, and it was Ms Quinlan who provided the background, the tragedy, the challenges and, crucially, the plan. He said people like Judy showed why it was important to do this work properly.

Mr Mulchrone said Ms Quinlan was "no pushover and no shrinking violet", and was never someone who couldn't be bothered to help. She always put the client first, while keeping the court fully informed. He said her departure would be a huge loss to the colleagues who had joined her in recent years, and that her bright personality and fair approach would be missed. He wished her happiness, health and good spirits in her retirement and for her travels, adding that her clients would miss her - though unlike many, she would be "happily departing out the door" rather than clinging to it.

State solicitor Louise Cresham said she did not know the Probation Service without Judy Quinlan, describing her as the "epitome of what a probation officer should be, with a strong sense of duty". She said Ms Quinlan's absence would leave a huge void, but said she would not be idle in retirement given her many other involvements in community life.

Breda Byron, of the Courts Service, also thanked Ms Quinlan for her years of dedicated work and presented her with flowers.

Judge Michael Connellan, speaking on behalf of the judiciary including Judge Sandra Murphy and Judge Fiona Lydon, wished Ms Quinlan health and happiness in her retirement.

Ms Quinlan said she was grateful to have worked in Castlebar District Court, and fortunate to have worked alongside so many judges, solicitors, barristers and courts staff over the years. Together, she said, they had witnessed the "profound effects of addiction, domestic violence and mental health difficulties, as well as resilience, recovery and positive change". She thanked everyone for their kind words and said she was "looking forward to the next chapter".

• Published as part of the Courts Reporting Scheme.