Retiring Ballina solicitor was 'eloquent and flawless' legal advocate

Glowing tributes have been paid to one of Mayo's best-known solicitors who has retired after a distinguished 50-year career.

Legal colleagues, judges, and the Gardaí were effusive in their praise of John Gordon when he attended his last day at Ballina District Court last Tuesday.

The Ballina native, who is due to retire before the end of the year, started his legal career in Dublin and was made partner in Eugene F Collins firm of solicitors in 1973. Mr Gordon returned to Ballina in 1976 to become a partner in his father’s practice John J Gordon and Son, a firm which he ran successfully for decades.

Mr Gordon, who is widely known and respected as a hugely-talented criminal defence solicitor, was president of the Mayo Solicitors Bar Association from 1984 to 1986. He has represented thousands of people in the courts in Mayo over the years and was praised on Tuesday for doing so with dignity, integrity and courtesy.

Peter Loftus, on behalf of the Mayo Solicitors Bar Association, said he had spent the past 30 years “sat on John’s right-hand side” in Ballina District Court. John had always offered generous support to him and his colleagues, and he wished Mr Gordon, his wife Gair and the family every happiness for the future.

Judge Fiona Lydon praised Mr Gordon for his exemplary legal service to the community and his flawless court performance.

“Mr Gordon was always dedicated, respectful, informed and intelligent, and [he was] an eloquent, impressive advocate for all of his clients,” she added. "He left no stone unturned and the courts in Mayo will miss an iconic stalwart and legal hero."

Close family friend Adrian Bourke also wished John well and praised him for his willingness to give up his time for his colleagues and the Gardaí, always exhibiting professionalism in everything he did.

Judge Vincent Deane, the former State Solicitor for Mayo, thanked Judge Fiona Lydon for the opportunity to address Mr Gordon and wish him well on his retirement. He said Mr Gordon always advocated positively and his clients only ever got the very best service, adding that he had opposed Mr Gordon in criminal cases on many occasions. 

“From the very beginning of a case, every part of it would be taken in with all of the detail and you knew what was going to happen and you had to have everything right on your table because John took such an interest in his clients,” he said, adding that John's dedication to his clients “often tipped the weighing scales in the other direction”.

Garda Inspector Fintan McHale praised the courteous nature and morality of Mr Gordon in dealing with his clients and the Gardaí.

“He has always shown lots of dignity, been professional at all times and shown integrity and he would always take the time and make the best possible attempt in court. I wish Mr Gordon all the very best in his retirement,” he added.

Court clerk Ailish McGuinness also praised the character and integrity of Mr Gordon and described him as a gentleman.

Mr Gordon said he was very grateful for the kind words from everyone present.

"I'm extremely honoured to have served as long as I have and I'm most grateful to everyone for coming and I will treasure the kind words," he said. "I hope to keep in touch and meet you from time to time."

Mr Gordon also said it was a privilege to work in the district court, which he said "is by far the most important court in the State" as it deals with "ordinary people in ordinary circumstances".

Earlier this month, John received the Judge Daniel Shields Award from the Mayo Solicitors Bar Association for his outstanding contribution to the profession. The ward was presented by the current president of the association Catherine Bourke.