Award-winning new Mayo solicitor receives a warm welcome to court

A warm welcome has been extended to recently qualified solicitor Janette O’Malley at Castlebar District Court where she was formally introduced to the court by her training solicitor, Karen O’Malley, before Judge Tom McSharry.

Addressing the court, Karen O’Malley outlined Janette's impressive academic and sporting achievements.

Originally from Newport, she is one of six children of Jimmy and Helen O’Malley.

She received her primary education in Newport National School before attending Sacred Heart School, Westport, where she excelled academically.

She went on to study Law at University College Galway, with French as her minor subject. Her academic success continued when she was awarded a scholarship to complete a Master's degree in Public and Disability Law, reflecting both her ability and her commitment to serving others.

While undertaking her Master's degree, Janette joined the practice of Karen O’Malley & Co. Solicitors in Westport and completed her Law Society professional examinations and traineeship through the hybrid training programme.

During her studies, she was awarded the prestigious Rory O'Donnell Prize for achieving first place in her conveyancing course.

Outside of her legal career, Janette has also distinguished herself on the sporting field.

A passionate footballer, she captained Westport ladies' football team to back-to-back county championship titles.

Karen noted that her success in sport demonstrated not only strong leadership qualities but also her ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Karen said she was delighted that Janette had chosen to continue her legal career in Westport, noting that attracting talented young professionals back to the west of Ireland had become increasingly challenging in recent years.

She expressed confidence that Janette would be a tremendous asset to her clients and wished her every success in the years ahead.

Janette was also welcomed by Sergeant Fiona Farrell on behalf of An Garda Síochána, who said they looked forward to working with her throughout her career.

Best wishes were also conveyed on behalf of the Courts Service.

Speaking on behalf of the Mayo Solicitors' Bar Association, Charlie Gilmartin, solicitor, congratulated Janette on her qualification and remarked that she had received excellent training under Karen O’Malley, whom he described as a highly experienced and respected practitioner.

Judge Tom McSharry also extended his congratulations, describing the legal profession as "one of the most noble professions."

He paid tribute to Janette’s academic accomplishments, particularly her receipt of the Rory O'Donnell Prize, which he described as a highly prestigious award.

He also acknowledged the outstanding reputation and long-standing career of her training solicitor.

The judge said that, based on her achievements to date, Janette had every reason to look forward to a successful career in the legal profession.

Referring to her sporting success, he expressed the hope that the good fortune she had enjoyed with her club would also extend to the Mayo senior men's team in their county fixture that weekend.

Judge Tom McSharry concluded by wishing Janette every success in her legal career.

At the conclusion of the tributes, the courtroom broke into warm applause, and Janette thanked everyone for their kind words and best wishes.