Laois court registrar Sheila retires after 41 years

IT’S no exaggeration to describe Portlaoise courthouse as one of the busiest courts outside Dublin, with thousands of criminal, civil and family law cases held there every year.

It is widely acknowledged that the existing courthouse on the town’s Main Street, which was first built in 1782 and rebuilt after a fire in 1805, is no longer suitable to deal with the volume of business.

Indeed, in recognition of the ailing facilities in the premises, the Courts Service purchased a green field site nearby for the construction of a new courthouse at Kylekiproe for €750,000 in 2020. To date, nothing has been built on it.

In the meantime, the workings of the courts in Portlaoise go on, conducted by a small group of people who ensure the smooth, professional and timely running of the service. From judges, court clerks, office administrators and caretakers, the group works in challenging conditions to deliver the service.

So, it was no wonder when one of the key cogs in the well-oiled wheel decided to call it a day and her colleagues gathered in the courtroom to wish her well in her retirement on Thursday 5 March.

Sheila Larkin has worked in the civil service for over 41 years. For the past 20, she has worked in the Portlaoise court offices.

In acknowledging her service over the years, circuit court Judge Keenan Johnson said that during her time “she has been a rock and foundation of the office, contributing in no small measure to the excellent reputation of the office for her professionalism, competency, efficiency and her facility to offer help and assistance to practitioners and litigants.” Congratulating Tomás Moore on taking over her role, Judge Johnson said: “I know he’s aware of the big shoes he has to fill and I’d like to welcome him and wish him all the best in his new position.

“When it comes to court registrars, Sheila was the gold standard and an exemplary public servant,” said Judge Johnson.

District court Judge Andrew Cody said: “While we reluctantly let Sheila go, we do so with enormous gratitude. Gratitude for her wisdom, her patience and her humour. I want to thank Sheila for leading with distinction and serving with honour.” Will Fennelly BL, who spoke on behalf of the bar and members of the midland circuit, said: “During Sheila’s time in court, she served as registrar to a number of judges, not alone the judges present today, but Judge Moran, Judge Kennedy, Judge Michael White and Judge Hunt. 

In all of those instances, Sheila’s calm and attentiveness was very welcome and in one or two instances absolutely necessary to maintain the functioning of the court.” The county registrar for Laois and Offaly, Rory Hanniffy, also spoke glowingly of Ms Larkin.

He said: “Over and above her work in the court office, I want to particularly recognise Sheila’s contribution to the elections over her many years working in the Courts Service. Sheila has been central to the conduct of elections and all the electoral events across Laois and Offaly.

Portlaoise courts office manager Catherine Magner said: “Sheila has represented this office in a very good way. She is an exceptionally kind person, very calm person and has a wonderful work ethic.” Speaking on behalf of the Solicitors Association, Josephine Fitzpatrick said: “You’ve swept around nice and quietly and gave us the level of support which was required. As practitioners, we will miss you.” Garda Sgt JJ Kirby, on behalf of An Garda Siochana, said: “I begin with a quote from Bill Clinton – ‘people around the world have always been more impressed by the power of our example than by the example of our power.’ You’ve been cool, calm, collected and an absolute lady. I’ve known you for the best part of 25 years and any questions we have, you’ve been always there for us and you’re going to be sadly, sadly missed.” 

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme.