‘Trust the magic of beginnings’

New chapter for ‘centre point’ of Nenagh court

An empathetic court presenter who managed to fill the big boots left by her predecessor, Sergeant Regina McCarthy bade farewell to her colleagues at Nenagh District Court last week.

Prosecuting cases in Nenagh since 2020, Sgt McCarthy took over the role of Sergeant Michael Keating when he retired two years later. Like ‘Babs’, she became a pivotal figure in the running of the court, and one whose popularity was evidenced in the fulsome tributes paid by her colleagues in court last Thursday.

Sgt Cathal Godfrey described the occasion as a “sad day for Nenagh District Court”, but a good one for Sgt McCarthy as she embarked on a new chapter this week at the Garda College in Templemore. Speaking of the empathy she was known for showing to all who attended court, Sgt Godfrey also mentioned the sense of camaraderie his colleague shared with the officers of the court, and he wished her well in her new beginning.

Inspector Michaela Moloney anticipated a high standard of new recruits emerging from Templemore under Sgt McCarthy’s watch. An “unbelievable worker”, she would be greatly missed from the court in Nenagh.

‘A COUNSELLOR AND A GUARD’

Solicitor Mariea Flanagan observed that the departing sergeant was the “first port of call” for many people attending court. She had an understanding of people’s problems and was a “counsellor and a guard” to many of them. Ms Flanagan added that many would be disappointed to learn of Sgt McCarthy’s departure.

Dedication, diligence, empathy, humanity and a strong work ethic were the traits that Sgt McCarthy had become renowned for, and she was held in the highest regard by all of the court’s legal practitioners, Ms Flanagan said, adding that she hoped Regina would have more time for family and training for marathon running in her new role.

State Solicitor David Peters spoke of the volume of work that Sgt McCarthy got through, something he had a greater appreciation of since moving to his own new role. Mr Peters recalled concern at the time Sgt Keating retired but said Babs’ successor had met the challenge; now she would be equally difficult to replace.

‘GNASHING OF TEETH’

Barrister Kenneth Kerins said there would be “clutching of pearls and gnashing of teeth” over Sgt McCarthy’s departure, such was the extent to which the County Limerick native upheld the extraordinarily high standard of court presenting in Nenagh. Hers was “probably the most under-resourced role in the gardaí. What is asked of court presenters is extraordinary,” Mr Kerins said, and he believed that Regina’s contribution to the role would not be fully appreciated until after she had gone.

On behalf of the Probation Service, Niamh O’Dwyer praised Sgt McCarthy for her approachable nature, her professionalism and her compassion. “Her presence will be profoundly and personally sorely missed,” Ms O’Dwyer said.

‘REGINA’

Court Clerk Eithne Canning recalled beginning her career at the time Sgt McCarthy was taking over the reins from Babs. She spoke of the rapport – “unique to Nenagh” – built up between the officers of court and said it was an “extremely sad day for us all” to lose Sgt McCarthy – “all of us know her as Regina”.

Most did not see the amount of work Regina did in the background but her “unmatched” empathy and kindness was visible to all, Ms Canning said, describing the departing sergeant as both a colleague and a friend.

Judge Marie Keane described Regina as the “centre point of the district court in Nenagh”. She too noted how the new sergeant had served as co-presenter with Sgt Keating before fulfilling the role herself. “She always made it seem like a seamless performance,” Judge Keane said.

The judge went on to speak of the importance of the presenter role in ensuring the smooth running of court proceedings.

“The bench depends on the court presenter to keep the list moving along and all background situations dealt with,” Judge Keane said. “In that regard, she has done Trojan work.”

The judge echoed the sentiment of previous speakers regarding the empathy Regina showed in all situations. She referenced the astute compassion she had shown to the late Judge MacGrath when her health failed, and Judge Keane said the sergeant had been “nothing but kind to me” when she arrived as sitting judge in Nenagh 18 months ago.

“I had the privilege of coming in here and knowing that everything is right and we were in a position to deal with the list,” Judge Keane said. “That only happens when the heavy lifting is done.”

She told Sgt McCarthy that she would be “sorely missed, but I don’t think we’ve seen the last of you – I hope that will see you again here.”

‘ABSOLUTE PRIVILEGE’

Sgt McCarthy said it had been “an absolute privilege and pleasure” to serve as court presenter in Nenagh over the last five and half years. She recalled being on secondment at the Garda College when Sgt Keating called her about the position in Nenagh.

“I jumped at the chance,” she said, adding that with hindsight, she was very glad she answered that call. “I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.”

Sgt McCarthy thanked the members of the judiciary she had worked with, Judges Marie Keane, Catherine Staines, Fiona Brennan and the late Elizabeth MacGrath. She thanked members past and present of the Courts Service, and the local solicitors and barristers, saying she never imagined the friendship and camaraderie that could develop between such people. “We worked together instead of against each other,” Sgt McCarthy commented.

She also thanked the Probation Service, Restorative Justice in the Community, Prison Service, local press, and all of her colleagues and friends in An Garda Síochána. Her final thanks went to Babs, who was present in court for the occasion, for giving her the opportunity in Nenagh.

Mentioning how Judge MacGrath used to like thought-provoking quotes, Sgt McCarthy concluded with the fitting words of Meister Eckhart: “And suddenly you know: It's time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.”

She was accorded a standing ovation.