Anne retires after 41 years ‘in the dock’ in Carlow Courthouse 

AFTER 41 years as a loyal, diligent and much-loved employee of Carlow Court Service, Anne Kelly was given an emotional and heartwarming send-off to much applause following speeches led by Judge Geraldine Carthy, who praised her “quiet strength”, “steady presence” and “cool head and professionalism”.

Judge Carthy commended executive officer Anne for working in a court system where, having started in August 1985, she navigated “monumental change” in a busy office where “no two days were the same”, while also praising Anne’s professional yet empathetic approach to dealing with members of the public.

“When she delivers bad news ‒ for example, someone doesn’t have a case or they have a hopeless case ‒ she does it in such a manner that you’d nearly apologise to her. This is a talent we could all learn from,” said the judge.

The courtroom, packed with family, friends and colleagues, present and former, heard the funny story that this was, technically, not Anne’s first retirement. Twenty years ago, when long-serving Judge Donnchadh O’Buachalla was retiring, it was thought by the solicitors that Anne was also leaving at the end of the day. Judge Carthy told everyone, to much laughter: “Anne returned from court laden down with wine. What happened to the wine?” she asked jokingly.

Behind every great woman is a great man, said Judge Carthy of Anne’s husband Eamonn, who has always been by her side and “a great support to her”. Almost bringing the courtroom to tears, Judge Carthy said lyrics from a Dolly Parton song summed it up: ‘I wouldn’t be here if you hadn’t been there’ ‒ “I think that’s how you’d describe Ann and Eamonn.” She also mentioned how important Anne’s three children, four grandchildren and their dog Polly are to a woman who, outside of her hard work, loves climbing mountains, walking and touring countries with her husband in their camper van.

County registrar Mark Stafford said everyone found Anne’s “calm and gentle presence in the courtroom a great comfort - lay, litigant and colleagues far and wide” alike, adding that she was “held in highest esteem by her colleagues”.

Adding to the words of praise, John O’Sullivan, on behalf of the Carlow Solicitors Bar Association, said Anne was a good friend “in excess of 35 years”, whom he would miss chatting to every week, adding “from my lowly days of apprenticeship to exalted days of being a country practitioner, you’ve always been there”.

Supt Anthony Farrell thanked Anne on behalf of An Garda Síochána for her years of loyal service, calling her “steadfast” and saying that the “strong relationship between Carlow gardaí and the court system was due to Anne being a key part of that”.

Carlow court office manager Lisa Malone added to the praise of Anne’s “depth and breadth of knowledge” that “comes from decades of experience”, meaning she always had solutions and found answers when no-one else did.

After all the speeches, Judge Carthy announced: “Before I conclude, the retiree has a right to reply,” giving way to yet more laughter in the courtroom. Anne said she was “ready and excited for the next chapter”, excited to spend more time with her family and get the campervan on the road soon for her next adventure.

“My only decision now is to decide whether we’ll turn left or right,” said Anne.