AN award-winning but newly qualified solicitor, Tom Murphy, was formally introduced to Judge John King at a recent sitting of Clonakilty District Court.

Solicitor Jim Brooks of Collins Brooks and Associates had the honour of introducing Mr Murphy, almost 54 years since he himself was first introduced by the late Liam Collins.

Jim described Tom, the son of Billy and Martina Murphy, as ‘a proud Doheny,’ and he acknowledged their presence in the court.

In joining the firm of McCarthy and Co Solicitors in Clonakilty, Jim said Tom is working with ‘a very progressive and well-known firm’ and he paid tribute to Tom’s mentor Liam Crowley, solicitor.

‘If Tom follows his example he will do very well,’ said Jim, who told the court that the new solicitor has already distinguished himself, having been awarded the prize for the top marks in the country for probate law.

‘That was no mean achievement,’ said Jim, who urged his younger colleague to ‘work hard, be diligent, always prioritise your client’s interests, and be honest with everybody in all of your dealings.’

Jim Brooks, Judge John King, and the court presenter Sgt Tom Mulcahy, said they have no doubt that Tom Murphy will do exceptionall,y well having already distinguished himself in the field of academia.

It was as a final aside that Jim Brooks issued a jovial caution to the newly qualified solicitor saying: ‘Don’t stay around as long as I have, or consider getting a good pensionable job as a judge.’

CLARIFICATION

Mr Brooks has also confirmed to The Southern Star that he continues to work, and that rumours of his retirement are greatly exaggerated. Reference to Mr Brooks’ retirement was inadvertently and mistakenly included in last week’s report on the late Denis Noonan.

‘I have to advise that rumours of my retirement are indeed greatly exaggerated and I am well and truly and hopefully competent to take on the most difficult of legal challenges still’ said Mr Brooks.

‘Reference to my retirement is probably another gentle reminder that there is a life after work. However, I cannot see it and for the time being do not intend embracing it. I am still available for all my clients, and continue to endeavour to conduct their legal business to a successful conclusion’.

The Southern Star is happy to correct the record.

This article is funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.