Warm tributes to departing district court judge
Judge Fiona Lydon has taken up a new role as district court judge in Galway.
There were warm tributes to Judge Fiona Lydon during her final day at Ballina District Court last Tuesday.
Judge Lydon, who took over in Mayo in November 2018 from Judge Mary Devins was recently appointed as district court judge in her native County Galway.
There were several speeches prior to the regular sitting of Ballina District Court as solicitors, Gardaí and Courts Service staff paid tribute to the departing judge.
Long-serving solicitor Adrian Bourke said Judge Lydon "raised judicial standards in Mayo on both sides of the bench".
“Since you came here you have been an enlightenment, a voice of calm and good reason and you have given all the time in the world to various subject matters, whether it be the sadness of family law to the heights of important criminal and civil litigation,” he said.
“Whatever our function may be in the District Court when all our titles and pretension are swept away, we are equal human beings before the law and before God. You have shown great empathy as a human being in that context.”
Gda Sgt John O’Reilly spoke on behalf of the court presenter’s office.
“We want to thank you for your unwavering support, your doors were always open before and after court,” said Sgt O’Reilly. “When I started in this role, we were out from Covid and we had long lists and late sittings but as you always said, we’d work together as a team and the work would [be] manageable.”
Gda Insp Margo O’Connor spoke on behalf of the Gardaí in Ballina.
“We want to wish you well and you’re going to be missed. You were always a very fair person and very diligent,” said Insp O’Connor.
Head of the Ballina Courts Office Ailish McGuinness said it was a sad day for staff in the local Courts Service. Ms McGuinness said she sat with Judge Lydon on her first day in Mayo in November 2018 and considers her a good friend.
“Judge Lydon’s attention to detail was truly unmatched. She set a standard of excellence that inspired us all here. We didn’t just learn alongside Judge Lydon, we learned from her,” said Ms McGuinness.
“I want to commend Judge Lydon on her commitment to fairness and equity in all cases. She consistently demonstrated a profound dedication to justice.”
Barrister Kathleen Henry, speaking on behalf of the Mayo Bar Association and Barristers, also wished Judge Lydon well in her new role.
“You always had politeness Judge, and you were always fair to the clients in that you gave them chance after chance to try and become better people which not every Judge does,” she said. “Some of them people have learned from that and can only be in a debt of gratitude to you.”
Probation Officer Joy Kelly, on behalf of the Probation Service, said the departing judge was leaving a lasting legacy.
“We want to wish you the best and thank you for your time in Mayo. You made an impact on the countless people through your courtroom,” she said.
Judge Lydon said she was very grateful for the “extraordinary and profound words” from each speaker.
“Serving as a judge in this district for the past six and half years has been my honour and an absolute privilege. Throughout that time, I have been consistently met with courtesy, integrity and a shared commitment to justice from all corners of this community,” she said.
“This district has been full of personality, intelligence and a genuine spirit of cooperation. If I could bring all of you with me to my new district, I would.
“I am moving, not out of dissatisfaction, but for a very practical reason, to serve closer to my home that shaped me in my role.
“Thank you for your support and kindness and good humour over the years. It has made my role not just easier but more meaningful.”
