Popular caretaker at Limerick Circuit Court retires

Mr Mcarthy always stepped outside his role as caretaker to look after people who came to the court for whatever reason.

Mr Justice Carroll Moran stated that when he arrived at Limerick Circuit Court every morning, his day was immediately brightened by Oliver (Ollie) McCarthy’s combined wit and insolence.

His successor, Judge Tom O’Donnell, also described Ollie McCarthy as the “heartbeat and fabric” of life in the court building.

Judges, barristers, solicitors, court officials, gardaí, prison officers and the media gathered in Court room 1 yesterday to pay tribute and celebrate Mr McCarthy’s retirement.

Judge O’Donnell said: “Ollie has been caretaker here for the past 16 years. To us who knew him, his job was much more than that. He did his work with a mix of honesty, kindness, integrity and was always courteous and helpful to members of the public.

“Ollie is also a man of strong views which he can give, even to a judge, with economic clarity. His humour was mingled with a sense mischief and he will be greatly missed.”

As court sittings concluded yesterday, a large number of court officials gathered at a nearby bar to toast Mr McCarthy.

After the speeches concluded, Mr McCarthy remarked “Is that it?”