New solicitor welcomed to Cavan District Court
A warm welcomed was extended by all in the District Court at the arrival of newly qualified solicitor, Ursula Cadden.
Barry Healy of Monaghan-based Healy Law, introduced Ms Cadden, who has been working with the local firm since March of this year. Before taking up her role with Mr Healy, Ms Cadden trained with Aisling Hayes & Company in Cootehill, with Cosgrave Solicitors in Navan, and with Johanna Lacy Solicitors in Trim.
“She is a very, very hard worker,” he said, noting how Ms Cadden had “come the hard route to law”, starting out as a legal secretary before becoming a legal executive, and then worked “by day and studied by night” to achieve her qualifications. “It’s a tribute to her persistence and her ability and diligence that she’s now here in Cavan practising as a solicitor.”
Ms Cadden is from a well-known family, the Caddens, who own ‘The Well Bar’ on Cavan Town’s Bridge Street.
In the public gallery watching on as Ms Cadden began her career before the court were her parents - Gabrielle and Dominick - and also her husband Niall Leyden from Belturbet.
Mr Healy concluded by saying: “She’s been working with me for the past six months and I can highly recommend her to the Bar.”
Her introduction to Judge Raymond Finnegan in Cavan follows that which occurred in Monaghan some weeks previous.
“You’re blessed, both in your training and in the Master you now have in Mr Healy. I’m sure he’ll point you on the right roads. You’re also blessed with the colleagues you have in District No 5, I’m sure you already know. I have no doubt any guidance that’s required will be offered by your clients, and I wish you the very best in your career,” said the judge.
On behalf of An Garda Síochána, Inspector Declan McGarvey wished Ms Cadden “well in your endeavours in the courts. I look forward to some frank, free and fair exchanges in the future”.
Jacqueline Maloney, on behalf of Cavan Solicitors Association, extended the hand of welcome also, as did Lorraine McEntee on behalf of the Courts Service.
There were welcomes too from the Probation Service.
Ms Cadden responded by thanking everyone present.
She then paid tribute to her parents and husband for their support over the years.
“Without them I would not be standing where I am. There were so many times along this route that I thought I want to give up, I couldn’t take any more of it. But the encouragement and support I received from them, I honestly wouldn’t be a qualified solicitor without the support of the three of them.”
She added that Judge Finnegan had been “nothing but a gentleman” to her since her arrival, and she reiterated the earlier sentiment shared, by saying: “I look forward to a frank and fair exchange as An Garda Síochana put it.”