The Government has nominated two solicitors, Marie Keane and John King, for appointment by the President to the District Court.
The vacancies arise from the elevation to the Circuit Court of Judge Eugene O’Kelly in November 2014, and the retirement of Judge Eamon O’Brien in January 2015.
The Government has taken the necessary steps to formally advise the President of the nominations in accordance with constitutional procedure.
The appointments follow the receipt of lists of suitable candidates from the judicial appointments advisory board.
Marie Keane qualified as a solicitor in 1994. She was educated at the National University of Ireland, Galway, where she received a BA (1988) and LLB (1991). She also has qualifications in commercial property, mental health Law and in mediation and alternative dispute resolution. She is a member of the Family Law Committee of the Law Society, a founding member of the Family Law Mediation Group and a member of the panel for the Mental Health Commission.
John King qualified as a solicitor in 1993. He was educated at the National University of Ireland, Galway – BA (1987) and LLB (1989). Mr King has extensive experience in the District, Circuit and High Court civil litigation, as well as in criminal and family law litigation. He is a partner in Hennessy and company solicitors in Cork and has wide experience in conveyancing, probate, revenue law, personal injury and criminal law.