Retiring judge thanked for her wisdom and kindness
Judge Karen Fergus has been praised for her for her kindness, knowledge and professionalism. Pic:The Irish Times
A retiring circuit court judge has been praised for her kindness, knowledge and professionalism.
The December sitting of Roscommon Civil Court was Judge Karen Fergus’ last time to preside in County Roscommon, and County Registrar Dr Ann Courell led tributes to her, wishing “the excellent member of the judiciary” all the best in her retirement.
As a barrister, she said that she had the good fortune to practice before the judge, saying she displayed remarkable patience, wisdom, and insight. Her “thoughtful and carefully reasoned decisions” left no one in doubt that justice was always administered in the court regardless of the outcome.
Dr Courell also paid tribute to her work ethic and the way she dealt with difficult if not impossible cases.
“You are consistently considerate, forensic and courteous to everyone who appears in your court. You will be greatly missed, especially by all the staff at the Roscommon office,” Dr Courell said.
She added that she knew Judge Fergus on a personal level as a “wonderful person”, humorous, intelligent and kind.
Tributes were also paid to Mr John Herron, the judge’s tipstaff, and presentations were made to both of them.
On behalf of the assembled barristers, Anne O’Meara BL spoke of her the collective admiration for Judge Fergus, who was a “pleasure and a joy” to appear before. Ms O’Meara said the judge was known for her “generosity of spirit” and that she would be missed terribly.
On behalf of the Roscommon Bar Association, solicitor Mr Sean Mahon said the judge had been “extremely pleasant” to appear before during her approximately 10 years presiding in the county. He wished her health and happiness in her retirement.
Court Registrar Martina Carlos thanked Judge Fergus for her kindness, support and professionalism. She also thanked Mr Herron.
Judge Fergus, who presided in seven different venues around the Midlands Circuit, thanked everyone for their kind words, and she also thanked Mr Herron as her “right hand man”.
She said that she will miss being a judge and that she loved the job, adding that she was ready for the next phase, and looking forward to spending more time with her husband, children, and grandchildren.
“It has been a pleasure and privilege to have this role,” she said.
