Ballyshannon Court's  warm welcome for new State Solicitor

A warm welcome was accorded to Donegal’s new State solicitor at Ballyshannon District Court on Friday. 

Kieran Dillon of Quinn Dillon & Co Solicitors in Letterkenny was appointed to his new role earlier in the week and is well respected within the profession in the north west.

He replaced the previous incumbent Ciaran Liddy who was appointed a District Court Judge back in October 2022.

Mr Liddy had served in the position of Donegal State Solicitor for sixteen years before his appointment to the bench.

Gerry McGovern solicitor, welcomed Mr Dillion to the Ballyshannon court as he pointed out that his dealings with the new Donegal state solicitor “go back a long way” to the time that they both studied at the then University College Galway (UCG).

Later Mr Dillon had gone back to his home town of Letterkenny to set up practice and they had had many interactions over subsequent years. 

Friday's court in Ballyshannon was Mr Dillon's first time to appear there is his new role as State solicitor

He pointed out that the new state solicitor was “a hard working man of great integrity and we are very lucky to get a man of his standard”.

He said that Mr Dillon would be well able to deal with anything that came his way. 

On behalf of the bar profession, Johnny McCoy BL spoke on behalf of the Northern Circuit and said that he and his colleagues would like to be associated with Mr McGovern remarks.

"He brings considerable experience from the criminal court and that area of work is expanding. He will have  a close working relationship with all concerned, “ Mr McCoy said.

He said that his predecessor Mr Liddy would be a "a hard act to follow but in this case they have picked the right man". 

He wished the new state solicitor every success in carrying out his public service and duty..   

Inspector Ray Tubman on behalf of An Garda Siochana also welcomed his appointment. 

"He is well respected in his profession in Donegal and we look forward to working with him," the Inspector told the court. 

Judge Sandra Murphy said that she had heard the good news on the morning of the court from the court clerk. 

She had met the new State Solicitor during her brief time serving in the No 1 District in Letterkenny, before the appointment of Judge Cunningham.

She said Mr Dillon was an experienced practitioner and was exactly as described by colleagues; an extremely hard working and honourable officer of the court with an attention to detail.

Judge Murphy said she was more than delighted for him and his family, adding that the State was lucky to have a man of his calibre to take up the role. 

It was not an easy job and could be difficult, but he would be executing all the ample skills he has in taking up his new position. She looked forward to working with him.

Mr Dillon responded by thanking those present for their kind words.

State Solicitors are solicitors in private practice who are employed on a contract basis to act on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions.