Dunderry solicitor sworn in as a judge

Dunderry resident Dermot Dempsey, a member of the well-known Ballivor family which also counts among its number Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey, was last week sworn in as a judge of the District Court at a ceremony at the Supreme Court in Dublin. Mr Dempsey, who previously ran a successful solicitor"s practice in Athboy for over two decades, was nominated as a district judge by the Government earlier this year, following his selection by the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board. His formal appointment was signed recently by President Mary McAleese. The 53-year-old solicitor established his practice in Athboy 24 years ago after graduating from UCD in 1977 with a BCL before becoming a solicitor in 1979. A younger brother of the Transport Minister, his name went forward from the board to the Cabinet as one of the seven names it recommended for a vacant position. The procedure follows last year"s enactment of the Courts and Court Officers Act, which increased the number of ordinary judges in the district court from 54 to 60. A Government statement referred to Mr Dempsey"s extensive experience in all courts, particularly in the areas of conveyancing, litigation, criminal cases and family law. Judge Dempsey will serve in the Dublin District Court area, where he began work yesterday (Tuesday). An enthusiastic golfer and long-serving member of Dunderry GAA Club, he has been involved in training underage teams and fundraising for the club. After Friday"s swearing-in ceremony in Dublin, the Dempsey family marked the occasion with a gathering at Trim Castle Hotel.