Ballina native Dr. Ann Marie Courell has been appointed today as the County Registrar of the Circuit Court.

Her appointment was brought before the Cabinet by Minister for Justice Simon Harris for approval. It is a historic move as she has the distinction of being the first woman to be appointed to the position.

The County Registrar is a legal professional court officer in the Circuit Court, the higher of the two courts and will be based at Castlebar Courthouse. The Registrar makes orders in civil cases as well as certain other functions in relation to Circuit Court proceedings.

Other duties include the roles of District Probate Registrar and Returning Officer for general and European elections and referenda.

She has worked as a barrister in the Western Circuit for the past two decades, specialising in areas of Tort and Personal Injury Law.

Welcoming the appointment, Deputy Alan Dillon said: “I want to congratulate Ann Marie and her family on the appointment. She is a young, bright, enthusiastic person who will bring all of her 20 years experience in the courts service with her to this new position. She is following in the footsteps of Mr Murphy who must be commended for his hard work and dedication and I’m sure she will be a great asset to the role. I wish her the best of luck.”