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.

Retiring Judge Kelleher recalled a fateful day in March 2010. “A call came through on a ‘Private Number’. I said that can only be one person — “Hello Roy!” But that day it wasn’t Roy Keane. It was the then-Minister for Justice, Dermot Ahern, telling him he was to be appointed as a District Judge. 

Mr Kelleher, solicitor, as he then was, and a lifelong supporter of League of Ireland soccer — among many other sports — said that for the first time in his life he found himself uttering the words, “Up Dundalk!” He said his life changed with that call and incredible happiness followed in his role as a judge.

While it was a day when the spotlight was very much on Olann Kelleher, he was keen to share the attention, asking the large assembly to stand and congratulate Judge Con O’Leary who retired during covid when such gatherings were not possible. 

He said he did not know how he clicked so well with Judge O’Leary but said that after reflecting on it he concluded: 

I think I could make Con laugh and he could tell me the law!

President of the District Court, Judge Peter Kelly, spoke of the young Olann Kelleher’s distinguished rugby career that extended to the bench of the Munster team that famously beat the All Blacks at Thomond Park in 1978, as well as representing Munster in cricket, playing soccer successfully and receiving numerous accolades and awards. 

The president suggested that the judge could start his retirement tomorrow night — “as our talisman in Paris. So, no pressure, Olann!” 

More seriously, Judge Kelly noted the significant contribution made by Judge Kelleher with a diversion scheme that allowed 189 young people so far to avoid a drugs conviction for using cocaine and instead take part in an educational programme related to drugs. Judge Kelleher was recently invited to address the citizens' assembly on this scheme, which Judge Kelly said should be replicated throughout the country.

In one of several references to Roy Keane, barrister James Duggan, recalled a case almost 30 years ago that attracted a huge amount of media attention where the legendary Manchester United great was represented in court by Mr Duggan, instructed by solicitor Olann Kelleher. 

He recalled the words his solicitor imparted to him that morning as the multitudes gathered: “You deal with the case and I’ll deal with the press.” State solicitor Frank Nyhan said Judge Kelleher was respectful to everyone who appeared before him — and that whatever about his sporting life — he displayed no signs of ego on the bench. 

Respect

Solicitor Frank Buttimer said: “On behalf of the people I have represented, your empathy with those people is unequalled. And the respect you show to them, that means an awful lot where people have to trust the criminal justice system.” 

Mary Crowley on behalf of the Court Service, Myles Reidy on behalf of court staff and Ciara Smalle on behalf of registrars who have worked with Judge Kelleher, all wished the judge, whose wife Susan and their adult children and grandchildren were present, all the best in the future.

Barrister Donal McCarthy also wished Judge Kelleher well as the retiring judge was also joined on the bench by Judges James McNulty, Alex Gabbett, John King, Philip O’Leary, Treasa Kelly and Marie Keane.

Judge Kelleher concluded his last day on the bench with a roll-call of many people who had helped him and who he had enjoyed working with in over 13 years on the bench. On a day peppered with references to the United midfielder, Supt. John Deasy said that Olann Kelleher is another person who has had a tremendous impact on the people of Cork.