Retired judge ‘able to look at complete picture’

The Courts Service has announced the retirement of Judge James O’Connor, the district court judge in Kerry who was noted for his judicial leniency through the use of the court poor box.

On sick leave since January last, it is believed Mr O’Connor, 66, may have preferred an extension to the post but was turned down.

His ordinary date of retirement as a district court judge was on turning 65 in July 2017, but he served an extra year “as allowed under the statute”, the Courts Service said.