A long-serving and widely respected member of staff at the Donegal Courts Service has closed the door on more than three decades of dedicated service.<\/p>\n
Liam Devenney, a native of Newtowncunningham, officially finished his duties at Buncrana on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, marking his final day at the courthouse ahead of his retirement from the Irish Court Service early next month.<\/p>\n
There promises to be many more tributes as Mr Devenney marks more oficial last days in various courthouses including Letterkenny in the days to come.<\/p>\n
Now aged in his mid-sixties, Liam has served as caretaker at Buncrana Courthouse since 1992, becoming a familiar and much-valued presence for all who passed through its doors.<\/p>\n
Warm tributes were paid during his final sitting at Buncrana District Court, where colleagues and court officials acknowledged his commitment and contribution over the past 34 years. <\/p>\n
Solicitor Ciaran MacLochlainn spoke of the care and consistency Mr Devenney brought to his role, noting that he had looked after generations of legal professionals and court users alike.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d just like to thank him on behalf of myself and my colleagues. He has looked after us so well for the past 34 years,\u201d he said. \u201cHe keeps the place going, and we thank him for everything that he has done for us over the years. I\u2019d like to sincerely thank him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Judge Gr\u00e1inne Malone echoed those sentiments, highlighting both his professionalism and his kindness during her brief time at the court.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn my short time here, he\u2019s certainly been very courteous, kind, and professional to me,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
She added a personal note, recalling how he had thoughtfully left a tea scone for her earlier that morning, describing it as a small but telling example of his considerate nature.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can see that he does his job very professionally, and I wish him well in his retirement.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr MacLochlainn also reflected on a unique family connection to the courthouse caretaker role, tracing it back to his grandfather, who became caretaker after his release from prison in 1922, following involvement in the burning of the courthouse in 1920.<\/p>\n
The role remained in the McLaughlin family for generations before Mr Devenney took over, continuing a long-standing tradition.<\/p>\n
On behalf of An Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na, Sergeant Conor Mulkerns said Mr Devenney had been integral to the smooth running of court services in Donegal and would be greatly missed by all who worked alongside him.<\/p>\n
Before joining the Court Service, Mr Devenney served for several years in the Irish Army at Rockhill. Outside of work, he is known for his passion for model cars, cycling and rallying.<\/p>\n
Indeed, he previously survived a frightening collision during the Donegal Rally when a car left the road and struck him in a field in recent years.<\/p>\n
Universally-liked, Mr Devenney is known for his cheerful disposition, and his retirement marks the end of an era at Buncrana Courthouse.<\/p>\n
Justice at last! Liam to close door on 34 years at courts service was last modified: March 25th, 2026 by Staff Writer<\/p>\n
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