Judges, lawyers and staff pay tribute as 'powerhouse' court registrar retires in Cork

One case recalled by Martin O’Donovan was where an MI5 witness was asked in cross-examination if he worked with Ms Moneypenny or had a licence to kill

(Right-middle, blue suit) Martin O Donovan, registrar at Washington Street Courthouse, pictured with law and court service colleagues on Friday on his retirement after 42 years of service. Picture: Larry Cummins

A highly respected figure who played a pivotal role in the running of the courts at Washington Street in Cork over the past four decades retired on Friday as members of the judiciary, lawyers, colleagues, friends and family gathered for the occasion.

Judge Helen Boyle led tributes to the retiring court registrar: “Martin O’Donovan has been an integral part of the administration of justice in Ireland — and more importantly, in Cork — for more than 40 years.”