Tributes paid in Donegal following the passing of Judge John O'Hagan

Members of the Donegal Courts Service have paid tribute to the late Circuit Court Judge John O'Hagan.

Judge O'Hagan, who served in the Donegal District for 10 years, passed away on Saturday after a short illness. Tributes were paid to the former Judge at Letterkenny District Court.

Senior solicitor Kieran O'Gorman said he was shocked to learn of Judge O'Hagan's passing. Mr O'Gorman said he had not realised that Judge O'Hagan was unwell and that his thoughts went out to his wife of 50 years Sarah and their extended family.

On behalf of the Bar, barrister Ciaran Elders said he always found Judge O'Hagan to be a gentleman when he was sitting in Donegal and was always fair to people and practitioners.

"He had the ability to be both generous and fair and I'm sure his family is going through a very difficult time," Mr Elders said.

On behalf of An Garda Siochana, Sergeant Maurice Doyle said he would also like to be associated with the sympathies to Judge O'Hagan saying he was always well-liked by everyone.

Manager of the Letterkenny Courts Service, Geoffrey McGonagle said the late Judge O'Hagan was always very popular with courts service staff even after his retirement.

He recalled it was not long ago that Judge O'Hagan even called back into the court building for a cup of coffee and a chat with staff. Judge Ciaran Liddy said Judge O'Hagan "displayed integrity and fairness on a daily basis for those who came before him."

He added that he had a brilliant legal mind and a keen sense of wit which was matched only by his keen sense of duty. Judge Liddy said Judge O'Hagan had a strong affiliation with Donegal and that his thoughts were with his family at this time.

Judge O'Hagan began in the Northern Circuit courts in 2006 before retiring in 2017. He was also appointed as a Judge on the Special Criminal Court from 1999.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sarah, his daughter Clodagh and her partner Finbarr, his son Mark and fiancée Sinéad, his daughter Terry, her husband Philip and their beautiful children Ciara and PJ.

He is also survived by his sisters Adelaide and Catherine, brother Conor, relatives and his many close friends, bikers, choir members and neighbours.

A keen biker, sailor, golfer and fisherman, Judge O’Hagan was remembered fondly by many in the legal system in Donegal upon his retirement in 2017, for his “common sense and fairness as well as his compassion for those who came before him in the courts.”

His funeral arrangements are as follows:

Reposing at his home on Tuesday from 4pm to 7pm. Funeral Mass at 11am on Wednesday at Star of the Sea Church Mornington, Co Meath, which can be viewed live here, followed by cremation.

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