David Peters is appointed State Solicitor for North Tipperary

Nenagh-based legal practitioner David Peters has been appointed the new State Solicitor for North Tipperary.

A highly popular and genial legal practitioner, the formal announcement of his appointment before the commencement of last Thursday’s sitting of Nenagh District Court was enthusiastically greeted by solicitors, gardaí and others working in the legal profession.

Speaking on behalf of local solicitors, Elizabeth McKeever said Mr Peters’ appointment came as no surprise to his many colleagues working locally in the legal profession.

Ms McKeever said Mr Peters was eminently qualified and had great experience of the law, having lectured in the Law Society for many years.

He established his own private practice in Pearse Street in Nenagh in 2011. He was articulate and always very well prepared for the cases he worked on.

Great camaraderie existed between Mr Peters, the other local solicitors and all officers of the court. He was someone who always gave great advice and had great wit.

Ms McKeever added that it was great to see that the State Solicitor was from the local community.

Among other local solicitors who have held the post in the past included the late John Cleary and Pearse Street based solicitor, Patrick Treacy.

“I know Mr Peters will do a great job in his new role,” Ms McKeever told the court.

OTHER TRIBUTES

An Garda Síochána’s Court Presenter, Sergeant Regina McCarthy, also welcomed the appointment. She said she had learned a lot from Mr Peters, whom she had worked with in the court for a number of years.

“I know you will do the job in a most professional manner, and we are looking forward to working with you and your staff for many years to come,”  Sergeant McCarthy told Mr Peters.

Court Clerk Eithne Canning said Mr Peters was someone who was an absolute pleasure to deal with and she and other staff in the Court Service were looking forward to seeing him take up his new role.

Judge Fiona Brennan said she was aware that Mr Peters was held in high esteem by his colleagues. She also wished him well in his new appointment.

DAUNTED

Mr Peters said he was somewhat daunted by the task facing him. He said he was going to miss the cut and thrust of working as a defence solicitor in the District Court, which he described as “the beating heart of the criminal justice system”.

He thanked his colleagues for their good wishes and the staff of the Court and An Garda Síochána.

Mr Peters said news of his appointment was bitter-sweet as it had come on July 3 last - the day of the untimely death of  the resident District Court judge, Elizabeth MacGrath.

He paid tribute to his parents Matt and Teresa for all they had done from him over the years and his wife Michelle and children who were present in court for the formal announcement of his appointment.

Mr Peters takes over the prestigious role from Michelle O’ Connell who has been appointed County Registrar for Waterford.