Judges lead tributes to Denise after her 38 years in Courts Service

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

There was a surprise in store for Denise Clarkin, Dundalk Court Office manager, when she walked into courtroom no. 3 last week to find it packed with people eager to pay tribute ahead of her retirement.

Judge Dara Hayes and Judge Nicola Andrews were joined by members of the legal profession, Probation Service, Prison Service and Gardaí, as well as Denise’s colleagues, to send best wishes.

Her career in the Courts Service began in 1987 and save for spells in Dublin, Monaghan, and Drogheda, most of it has been spent in Dundalk.

Judge Hayes recalled that when he was appointed a circuit court judge three-and-a-half years ago one of his first postings was to Monaghan where Denise was still manager.

"Then I was assigned here and Denise had to be brought home to supervise me!”

He said that she was nothing but helpful.

Judge Hayes continued that the advent of criminal trials in Dundalk and in Drogheda could not have happened without her work.

Judge Andrews spoke of the warm welcome extended to her when she arrived in Co. Louth.

Denise gave her a good understanding of how management of the courthouse worked. She was a great source of knowledge.

Judge Andrews extended thanks on behalf of all the judges who sat in District No. 6 before her.

Solicitor Frank McDonnell, on behalf of the Dundalk practitioners, noted the introduction of legislation “from every direction” since the 1990s and said that Denise has been described by others as the “oracle” and “go to woman” and that was their experience too.

His Drogheda counterpart Paddy Goodwin passed on the good wishes of retired Judge Flann Brennan.

Mr Goodwin said he had been friends with Denise since he was an apprentice.

Barrister Donough McDonough said Denise was always helpful, courteous and friendly.

It was not easy to be a leader. It took bravery. She had made all of them better at what they did.

They were lucky to be backed by the best court staff and office in the country, which was very much a nod to Denise.

State solicitor for Co. Louth Fergus Mullen added that the Dundalk office was the envy of most counties in Ireland which was in no small way down to Denise.

He added that there had been a significant increase in the court workload.

Regional manager, Eoin Manning, revealed that they called her the “subject matter expert”.

He said that Dundalk as it is now is the amalgamation of three offices – Dundalk, Drogheda and the circuit court.

Staff had increased by a third and there was new legislation and technology. Denise was leaving behind a knowledgeable and dedicated team.

Best wishes were also extended on behalf of the Probation Service, Prison Service and Gardaí.

In response, Denise said that her long career had been an absolute pleasure and a great experience.

"I’ve loved the courts. They’ve been good to me and the people were good to me.”

She had learned so much working with everyone.

She started on a temporary contract because she didn't know what she wanted to do, and she still didn’t know!

Denise had a special word for the court staff. It was not an easy job and not getting any easier.