Athlone solicitor appointed a District Court Judge

Athlone native Gráinne O’Neill has been appointed a District Court Judge.
At its meeting yesterday, the Government nominated solicitors Marian O’Leary and Gráinne O’Neill for appointment by the President to the District Court.

The vacancies arise from the retirement from the District Court of Judge Clare Leonard last October and the elevation to the Circuit Court of Her Hon. Judge Catherine Murphy last December.

The Government has taken the necessary steps to formally advise President Higgins of the nominations in accordance with constitutional procedure.

Grainne O’Neill (42) was educated in University College Galway where she received a Bachelor of Arts (1991) and Bachelor of Law (1995). She qualified as a solicitor in 1999. She has practised in all areas of law, specialising in criminal law, family law, civil litigation and employment law.

From 2000 to 2007, Ms O’Neill worked with the Free Legal Advice Centres providing advice on legal matters, primarily in the areas of family law and civil actions.