Buncrana Court in recess, as caretaker Liam calls time on his career after 34 years

A long-serving and widely respected member of staff at Buncrana Courthouse has brought the curtain down on more than three decades of dedicated service.

Liam Devenney, a native of Newtowncunningham, officially finished his duties at Buncrana on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, marking his final day at the courthouse ahead of his retirement from the Irish Court Service early next month.

Mr Devenney, now aged in his mid-sixties, has served as caretaker at Buncrana Courthouse since 1992, becoming a familiar and much-valued presence for all who passed through its doors.

Warm tributes were paid during his final sitting at Buncrana District Court, where colleagues and court officials acknowledged his commitment and contribution over the past 34 years.

Solicitor Ciaran MacLochlainn spoke of the care and consistency Mr Devenney brought to his role, noting that he had looked after generations of legal professionals and court users alike.

“I’d just like to thank him on behalf of myself and my colleagues. He has looked after us so well for the past 34 years,” he said. “He keeps the place going, and we thank him for everything that he has done for us over the years. I’d like to sincerely thank him.”

Judge Gráinne Malone echoed those sentiments, highlighting both his professionalism and his kindness during her brief time at the court.

“In my short time here, he’s certainly been very courteous, kind, and professional to me,” she said.

She added a personal note, recalling how he had thoughtfully left a tea scone for her earlier that morning, describing it as a small but telling example of his considerate nature.

“I can see that he does his job very professionally, and I wish him well in his retirement.”

Mr MacLochlainn also reflected on a unique family connection to the courthouse caretaker role, tracing it back to his grandfather, who became caretaker after his release from prison in 1922, following involvement in the burning of the courthouse in 1920.

The role remained in the McLaughlin family for generations before Mr Devenney took over, continuing a long-standing tradition.

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On behalf of An Garda Síochána, Sergeant Conor Mulkerns said Mr Devenney had been integral to the smooth running of court services in Donegal and would be greatly missed by all who worked alongside him.

Before joining the Court Service, Mr Devenney served for several years in the Irish Army at Rockhill. Outside of work, he is known for his passion for model cars, cycling and rallying.

Indeed, he previously survived a frightening collision during the Donegal Rally when a car left the road and struck him in a field in recent years.

Universally-liked, Mr Devenney is known for his cheerful disposition, and his retirement marks the end of an era at Buncrana Courthouse.