Judge Olann Kelleher described as having a tremendous impact on people of Cork as he retires

Judge Olann Kelleher’s historic connections with overpowering the All-Blacks and his friendship with Roy Keane were all mentioned in speeches to mark his retirement today but above all else the talk was of his humanity.

On a day of sadness and emotion in an absolutely packed courtroom 1 at the Anglesea Street courthouse in Cork it was hard to keep a straight face for long as one story followed another of colourful events on and off the bench.

Retiring Judge Kelleher recalled a fateful day in March 2010. “A call came through on a ‘Private Number’. I said that can only be one person – 'Hello Roy!'” 

But that day it wasn’t Roy Keane. It was a Dundalk man, the then Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern telling him he was to be appointed as a District Judge. 

Mr Kelleher, solicitor, as he then was, and a lifelong supporter of League of Ireland soccer – among many other sports – said that for the first time in his life he found himself uttering the words, “Up Dundalk!” He said his life changed with that call and incredible happiness followed in his role as a judge.

While it was a day when the spotlight was very much on Olann Kelleher, he was keen to share the attention, asking the large assembly to stand and congratulate Judge Con O’Leary who retired during Covid when such gatherings were not possible. In a humility which was remarked upon by many who paid tribute to Judge Kelleher he said he did not know how he clicked so well with Judge O’Leary but said that after reflecting on it he concluded, “I think I could make Con laugh and he could tell me the law!” 

Opening the proceedings, President of the District Court, Judge Peter Kelly spoke of the young Olann Kelleher’s distinguished rugby playing career that extended to the bench of the Munster team that famously beat the All-Blacks at Thomond Park in 1978, as well as representing Munster in cricket, playing soccer successfully and receiving numerous accolades and awards. 

The president suggested that the judge could start his retirement tomorrow night – “as our talisman in Paris. So, no pressure, Olann!” 

More seriously, Judge Kelly noted the significant contribution made by Judge Kelleher with a diversion scheme which allowed 189 young people so far to avoid a drugs conviction for using cocaine and instead take part in an educational programme related to drugs. Judge Kelleher was recently invited to address the citizen’s assembly on this scheme, which Judge Kelly said should be replicated throughout the country.

Judge Helen Boyle of the circuit court referred to the incredible efficiency the retiring judge had shown in administering very long court lists and the humanity and empathy he showed to those appearing before him. Judge Marian O’Leary of the district court also spoke of her colleague’s fairness, empathy and compassion.

In one of several references to, Roy Keane, James Duggan barrister recalled a case almost 30 years ago that attracted a huge amount of media attention where the legendary Manchester United great was represented in court by Mr Duggan instructed by solicitor Olann Kelleher. He recalled the words his solicitor imparted to him that morning as the multitudes gathered – “You deal with the case and I’ll deal with the press.” 

State solicitor Frank Nyhan said Judge Kelleher was respectful to everyone who appeared before him – and that whatever about his sporting life – he displayed no signs of ego on the bench. 

Solicitor Frank Buttimer said: “On behalf of the people I have represented your empathy with those people is unequaled. And the respect you show to them, that means an awful lot where people have to trust the criminal justice system.” 

Mary Crowley on behalf of the Court Service, Myles Reidy on behalf of court staff and Ciara Smalle on behalf of registrars who have worked with Judge Kelleher, all wished the judge, whose wife Susan and their adult children and grand children were present, all the best in the future.

Superintendent John Deasy, who was present with Assistant Commissioner Eileen Foster, and court presenters, Sergeants Gearóid Davis, Pat Lyons and John Kelleher, and many officers of An Garda Síochána thanked the judge and wished him well in his retirement. And the judge was praised for speaking out about social issues in Cork in terms of what was happening and what needed to be done. 

Ciarán McCarthy on behalf of the prison service thanked the judge for his cooperation and understanding of their work. Eleanor Busteed for the probation serviced remarked on the judge’s understanding of many of the issues faced by people coming before the courts such as mental health problems, homelessness and addictions.

Barrister Donal McCarthy also wished Judge Kelleher well as the retiring judge was also joined on the bench by Judges James McNulty, Alex Gabbett, John King, Philip O’Leary, Treasa Kelly and Marie Keane.

Judge Kelleher concluded his last day on the bench with a roll-call of many people who had helped him and who he had enjoyed working with in over 13 years on the bench. On a day peppered with references to the United midfielder, Supt. John Deasy said that Olann Kelleher is another person who has had a tremendous impact on the people of Cork.