Retirement of Mr John Mahon, Supreme Court Registrar

On Friday 16 May, the Supreme Court said farewell to Mr John Mahon who served as Registrar to the Supreme Court for 13 years following a career of 46 years in court administration.  On Thursday 15 May, the Supreme Court sat to pay tributes, which were led by Chief Justice O’Donnell and Mr Tom Ward, Assistant Secretary with responsibility for Superior Court Operations. 

Both acknowledged John’s immense contribution to public service throughout his career which commenced as a clerk in the Supreme Court Office.  The Chief Justice referred to Mr Mahon’s service as Assistant Registrar in the Wards of Court Office at a time when new governance arrangements were established to oversee the liberalisation of the regime for investment of the funds of wards of court, and when the office developed a computerised system to manage its case load.

Mr. Ward paid particular tribute to Mr Mahon’s role in leading a Public Partnership Project which led to the establishment of the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin. He also noted his involvement in ensuring that the work of the Supreme Court could continue during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Particular tribute was also paid to Mr Mahon’s work with Ms Justice Susan Denham, Chief Justice and other members of the Judiciary and Courts Service colleagues involved in reforming the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court when the Court of Appeal was established.

The Chief Justice referred to the significance of the role of Supreme Court Registrar and presented Mr Mahon with a copy of “The History of the Supreme Court” signed by each member of the Court.

Mr Mahon thanked the Chief Justice and members of the Court, his colleagues, and in particular his family, for their support throughout his career.

Mr Mahon will be succeeded as Registrar to the Supreme Court by Mary Kelly.