Judge Olann Kelleher's humanity recalled as he retires from courts in Cork

Judge Kelleher was involved in a diversion scheme that has allowed 189 young people so far to avoid a drugs conviction by taking part in an educational programme related to drugs

Judge Olann Kelleher with his wife Susan, sons Alex and Barry and daughters Gretchen and Alison, on his last day presiding over court number 1 at the Criminal Court of Justice in Cork. Picture: David Keane

Judge Olann Kelleher’s historic connections with overpowering the All Blacks and his friendship with Roy Keane were all mentioned in speeches to mark his retirement on Friday, but above all else the talk was of his humanity.

On a day of sadness and emotion in an absolutely packed courtroom 1 at the Anglesea Street courthouse in Cork it was hard to keep a straight face for long as one story followed another of colourful events on and off the bench.