Judge Éiteáin Cunningham expresses “great sadness” as she departs District Court Area 1.
Appointed to the bench in 2022, Judge Cunningham is a Letterkenny native. District Court Area 1 encompasses the District Courts of Letterkenny, Buncrana, Carndonagh, Falcarragh, and Glenties.
Her new posting, commencing in September, will be in District Court Area 2, covering Sligo, Leitrim, and south Donegal courts in Donegal Town and Ballyshannon. Judge Cunningham currently resides in Sligo.
She succeeded Judge Raymond Finnegan, who was reassigned to District Court Area 5 in November 2021, assuming the role of presiding judge in District Area 1 in June 2022.
Monday’s District Court session in Letterkenny marked her final criminal court appearance at the Letterkenny courthouse.
“For the past three years, I have thoroughly enjoyed serving as the presiding Judge,” she stated.
“It has truly been a huge honor and a privilege. It has been an opportunity to grow professionally and personally, and I am deeply grateful for the trust shown in me.”
She offered heartfelt thanks to those who made her journey “fulfilling,” including the legal practitioners whose dedication to justice was “inspiring and made my work all the more rewarding.”
Judge Cunningham commended the work of An Garda Síochána, from the Chief Superintendent to the trainee Gardai. She specifically acknowledged court presenters and inspectors who prosecuted cases in her court and liaised with defense lawyers and litigants.
Judge Cunningham praised the external organizations whose contributions facilitated the smooth operation of matters, including the Domestic Violence Service, the Child and Family Agency, the Irish Prison Service, and the Probation and Welfare Service, whose “professionalism, empathy, and understanding have astounded me,” as well as members of the press for their “measured and reasonable” reporting of cases.
She also highlighted the coordinators of the ProSocial Driving Course for their efforts.
“We are extremely fortunate to have such a wonderful programme available to educate and rehabilitate,” Judge Cunningham noted. “Donegal has experienced far too many fatalities, leaving devastating impacts on families and the wider community.”
Judge Cunningham expressed sincere gratitude to the Court Service staff throughout District number 1.
“From the moment I arrived, they welcomed me with open arms,” she said. “At all times, we worked as a team. We never had a negative interaction and each and every one of them was always available and willing to assist. Their professionalism and knowledge of law and court procedures is outstanding.”
She also thanked the staff from BAM and the cleaners working in the courthouse.
She offered special thanks to John Doogan of the court staff “who was full of mischief” and to Courthouse caretaker Liam Devenney “whose positive outlook and happy disposition have cheered me up no end.”
Speaking on behalf of the local Bar, barrister Mr. Damien Crawford BL remarked that occasions like this usually mark the departure of a permanent Judge; “ordinarily an occasion to pay tribute and wish you well in the camper van and a life in Italy.”
He noted that 1,126 days had passed since Judge Cunningham was welcomed to the bench in Letterkenny.
“A fact that wasn’t recognised, but should be: With your accession, it meant that the two permanent judges in Donegal were both women,” Mr. Crawford said. “That will continue after your transition, and it is the type of development that we need to see more of.”
Mr. Crawford stated that Judge Cunningham was the first Judge who is a daughter of Letterkenny, and her tenure was characterized by “efficiency, courtesy, and wisdom.”
Mr. Crawford mentioned that the current courthouse in Letterkenny sits on the site of the old swimming pool.
“You will have performed with grace in style in both, and I have managed to sink in both,” Mr. Crawford joked, adding that her appointment to District number 2 would simplify life as Judge Cunningham had “worn a hole in the Gap with the travel.”
Solicitor Mr. Kieran O’Gorman thanked Judge Cunningham for the “patience, courtesy, and kindness” extended to legal practitioners in court. This had fostered a “respectful and pleasant atmosphere” which “made it easier to carry out the job we did. We will miss you.”
He added, “Your professionalism goes beyond doubt.”
Chief Superintendent Goretti Sheridan, accompanied by Superintendent David Kelly, said Judge Cunningham demonstrated “such professionalism” in her work.
She said Judge Cunningham’s efforts had ensured smooth court proceedings.
She paid particular tribute to Judge Cunningham’s assistance to student gardai.
Chief Superintendent Sheridan presented a gift to Judge Cunningham on behalf of An Garda Síochána.
Padraig McAleer from the Probation and Welfare Service wished Judge Cunningham the best and expressed gratitude for her hard work since being appointed to District number 1.
Speaking on behalf of the local media, Mr. Paddy Walsh said it was “great to see a Letterkenny woman do so well.”
He described Judge Cunningham as a fine example to District Court Judges and said Letterkenny people were proud of her rise to the bench.
Speaking on behalf of the Courts Service, the manager at the Letterkenny Court Office, Mr. Geoffrey McGonagle, said it was a bittersweet day for the staff.
“We are losing a great judge, but we are also losing a friend and a confidante to the staff,” Mr. McGonagle said. “We wish you all the best, thank you for your hard work, dedication, and patience.
“You always found time for the staff in the office to have a chat about legal issues and your door was always open.”
Popular Letterkenny Judge Éiteáin Cunningham to leave District Court Area 1 was last modified: July 21st, 2025 by
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