Courthouse Bicentennial Commemorated

Cavan County Council and Cavan Courts Service marked the 200th anniversary of the opening of Cavan Courthouse with a special event on Wednesday, 11th March, which saw figures from the legal and political world come together in celebration of this historic Cavan landmark.

Attendees at the event, which was hosted by Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Cllr John Paul Feeley, included The Hon. Mr. Justice Alexander Owens, His Honour Judge John Francis Aylmer, Judge Brendan O’Reilly, CEO of the Courts Service, Angela Denning, TDs and Senators, Councillors, Barristers and Solicitors, all of whom shared memories of their association with the building.

Addressing the gathering in the Council Chamber, Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Cllr John Paul Feeley said, “The doors of this Courthouse opened in a very different Ireland. Built to administer justice under the Crown, it now exists to serve the people of our republic. It is my hope that it will continue both as a seat of justice and public administration and those who work within its walls, whatever their role, will adhere to their duty to serve the public good”.

Chief Executive of Cavan County Council, Eoin Doyle, said, “This august building has been at the heart of civic life in the county for two centuries and stands as a monument to two core pillars of our society – justice and democracy. In that regard, the Courts Service and Cavan County Council have played defining roles in shaping a just, equitable, and inclusive society down through the generations”.

On the night, Cathaoirleach, Cllr Feeley also made a presentation to The Hon. Mr. Justice Alexander Owens, who was recently appointed to the Court of Appeals and whose father, Tommy Owens, served as County Registrar, while his mother, Margot was a Cootehill Town Councillor.

Cavan Courthouse was designed by William Farrell and construction was completed in 1825, described at the time as “a graceful structure, erected at a cost of £11,000”. It was substantially renovated and modernised by Cavan County Council in the late 1980s, with local firm P Elliott and Co. carrying out the work, which sensitively retained the building’s historical features, while creating a fit-for-purpose modern workplace.

The building is today shared by Cavan County Council and the Courts Service, and encompasses the Council Chamber, two Courtrooms, and administrative offices for both Council and Courts staff.