A lawyer who has given long and distinguished service to the legal profession has been honoured by his colleagues in the Mayo Solicitors Bar Association.
Pat O’Connor, senior partner in the legal firm P. O’Connor & Son, is the latest recipient of the Judge Dan Shields Memorial Award.
The award is presented annually to a Mayo solicitor who is considered by their colleagues to have made an outstanding contribution to his or her profession.
The award was presented to Mr. O’Connor by Gary Mulchrone, President of the Mayo Solicitors Bar Association at the association’s annual dinner.
Mr. Mulchrone described Pat O’Connor as ‘outstanding’ in his many spheres of influence in a career which spanned over half a century.
A highly acclaimed arbitrator, negotiator and mediator, Pat’s attainments include the Presidency of the Law Society of Ireland.
He is a former board member of the Irish Sports Council, the Press Council of Ireland and Sport Ireland.
In 2016 he was appointed by the Minister for Rural and Community Development as Chairperson of the Charity Appeals Tribunal.
Late last year, he retired from the position of Coroner for the District of Mayo having spent a total of 46 years in the coronial service.
The annual Judge Dan Shields Memorial Award was launched in memory of Judge Daniel Shields who in 1994 was appointed to District No. 3 which covered most of Mayo with the exception of Ballyhaunis and Charlestown courts.
Regarded as a man of sound principles and strong beliefs, Judge Shields retired in 1999. He passed away in 2008.
