KIERAN Dillon has been appointed as new state solicitor for Donegal.
He replaces Ciaran Liddy who was recently nominated and approved by the government for appointment as a district court judge.
Mr Dillon, a native of Letterkenny, has been a practicing solicitor for 31 years.
State solicitors are lawyers in private practice who are employed on a contract basis to act on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
They support private barristers working for the DPP to present the prosecution case in the circuit court in their respective county.
Speaking to the Donegal News, Mr Dillon said he was looking forward to the new role.
“There is a lot of work to be done and I’m looking forward to a new challenge.
“I am 31 years working here in Letterkenny and I am very appreciative of the instruction and work I have received from clients over the years. I am very grateful to them and I wish them all well.”
Mr Dillon will continue to operate as part of the Quinn, Dillon and Co practice on Lower Main Street. At Letterkenny District Court on Tuesday morning his colleagues in the legal fraternity wished him all the best in his new job.
Solicitor Kieran O’Gorman described him as a “great person on the defence side”.
“He was a brilliant defence solicitor who was always fair. He is a great loss to us but I am very pleased for him and I wish him all the best. We have a wonderful new state solicitor and I wish him all the health and prosperity that is possible,” he said.
The remarks were echoed by Judge Éiteáin Cunningham who said the appointment was an “excellent” one.
“Mr Dillon has a wealth of experience in the district court and I have no doubt his appointment will be welcomed by all.
“I look forward to working with you as the state solicitor and I wish you every success,” said the judge.
Garda Sergeant Jim Collins joked that Mr Dillon was moving from the “dark side to the bright side”.
“On behalf of An Garda Síochána Mr Dillon has always been a great support to us and has always been very helpful despite being on the defence side.
“From a personal point he has always guided me and I wish him every luck. I look forward to working closely with him and it is good to have him on our side,” said Garda Collins.
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