Mayo court pays tribute to 'gentleman' prison officer

A MAYO judge was among the people to express condolences to the family and colleagues of a prison officer who died suddenly last week.

Judge Sandra Murphy paid tribute to prison officer Seán Boylan from Rush, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim who passed away suddenly in University Hospital Galway last Sunday.

Speaking at a sitting of Castlebar District Court where Mr Boylan was ever present in his work as a prison officer, Judge Murphy described him as a prison officer of the highest calibre and executed his duties to the highest standards.

Judge Murphy said the prison service plays a vital role in the running of the courts and that Mr Boylan was well liked by his colleagues and everyone who dealt with him.

She expressed sympathy to Mr Boylan's family including his children Clíodhna and Caolán and his colleagues in the prison service.

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Gary Mulchrone, President of the Mayo Solicitors Bar Association described Mr Boylan as a gentleman who executed his duties with professionalism and his sudden passing was a devastating loss to his colleagues and family.

Court presenter, Sergeant John Reilly said that Mr Boylan was a pure gentleman and a pleasure to deal with in the court while barrister Kathleen Henry and probation officer, David Heneghan also expressed their sadness at hearing of his loss.

Mr Boylan's funeral Mass took place this morning in St Clare’s Church, Manorhamilton followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.