Tributes to Mayo County Registrar on his retirement
MAYO County Registrar Fintan Murphy is to retire at the end of the month.
His last appearance at Castlebar Courthouse took place today when members of the legal profession gathered to pay tributes to him.
Mr. Murphy was appointed County Registrar in 1996, when he replaced Mr. Patsy Murphy from Ballinrobe on his retirement.
The Castlebar native was attached to the firm of Garavan O'Connor Solicitors in Castlebar for 15 years before taking up his appointment.
As well as running the affairs of the Circuit Court, he was returning officer for general elections and European elections as well as numerous referendums.
During his tenure he also oversaw the reopening of the refurbished courthouse in Ballina and the major redevelopment of Castlebar Courthouse.
Speaking today, Mr. Murphy said his proudest moment was getting the new Castlebar Courthouse project 'over the line' with the help of all the stakeholders, including the late Jim McCormack, former head of estates with the Court Services.
He revealed there is not a manual on how to do the job of county registrar as "you learn as you progress."
"I had the pleasure of working with great officials and a great staff who helped me along the way," he stated.
As returning officer, he was responsible for up to 20 counts, including general elections, European Parliament elections, and referendums - and he was fortunate to have the support of dedicated staff.
He is now looking forward to starting a new chapter in his life with his wife, Gay, and family.
Mr. Diarmuid Connolly, BL, representing the Mayo Bar Association, paid tribute to Mr. Murphy for the impartial, respectful and kind qualities he brought to his role as county registrar.
"We will miss his immense talent and commitment to excellence," he added.
Mr. Pat Moran, on behalf of the Castlebar Bar Association, praised Mr. Murphy for the fastidious and professional way he carried out his duties.
"He treated everybody with understanding, courtesy and respect," he said.
Garda Superintendent Joe McKenna praised Mr. Murphy for his engagement and guidance - as well as for the smooth and efficient running of the local court services at district and circuit courts levels.
Peter Mooney, on behalf of the Castlebar Court Office, said Mr. Murphy's door was always open and he was swift to solve problems that arose from time to time.
Brendan McDonald, regional manager, Court Services, said the new Castlebar Courthouse building will always stand as a tribute to Mr. Murphy's work and commitment.
"I always found him to have a positive attitude, a person who was very helpful with his direction and guidance at all times."
Other speakers included Judge Brian O'Callaghan, Western Circuit of the Circuit Court, retired Judge Raymond Groake, Mairead Ahern, retired County Registrar, Co. Louth, John O'Dwyer, solicitor, Ballyhaunis, and Patricia Horan, Legal Aid Board.