Cork Circuit Court welcomes two new permanent judges

Judge Sinead Behan and Judge Dermot Sheehan were previously on the Limerick Circuit and the Kerry Circuit respectively

The judges, solicitors and staff of the Court Service in Cork congratulated both judges on their appointments. File picture: Larry Cummins

Judge Helen Boyle led the congratulations to Judge Sinead Behan and Judge Dermot Sheehan on news of their permanent appointments to the Cork Circuit.

Judge Sheehan has been on the Limerick Circuit and Judge Behan on the Kerry Circuit for the past year. Judge Boyle said the losses to Limerick and Kerry would be to Cork’s gain.

“It is an auspicious week for the Cork Bar and the Munster Bar to have Judge Dermot Sheehan and Judge Sinead Behan appointed permanently to Cork — a wonderful way to secure the stability of the Cork Circuit for many years to come.

“Sinead Behan as a barrister and solicitor previously, and Dermot Sheehan as a barrister, both diligent, clever and good and I know they will be diligent and hard-working as judges of the Cork Circuit — both being formerly of this parish,” Judge Boyle said.

Donal McCarthy, father of the Cork Bar, expected the best would come from both Judge Behan and Judge Sheehan and added that it was good to see Cork taking over its own circuit.

Frank Nyhan state solicitor, on behalf of solicitors, said he was delighted with the appointments and said that, having defended and prosecuted as barristers on the Cork Circuit for many years before their appointments as judges, they would be ready for anything.

On behalf of staff of the Court Service, registrar Shay Bowen joined in congratulating both judges and assuring them they would have the help and support of all staff in the years to come.