Tributes have been paid at Donegal Circuit Court to leading solicitor Helen Salmon who passed away on Friday last following an illness.
Ms Salmon, a member of the Legal Aid Board, will be buried tomorrow in her native Ballinasloe, Co Galway.
She came to Letterkenny in the early 1990s where she practised law all of her life.
Judge John Aylmer said he was saddened to hear of the passing of Ms Salmon whom he had known since he was appointed to Donegal in 2015.
He described Helen as the “consummate professional” who was always courteous in her interactions with others.
He added she will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
A clear shaken Mr Peter Nolan said he had known Helen both personally and professionally for nearly 25 years.
He said she had battled bravely with a difficult and long illness for many years.
He added that her heart was in the area of family law and that she was always well prepared and always courageous on behalf of her clients no matter what Judge she appeared before.
Mr Nolan said her insight and understand of the law will be greatly missed saying she managed to ride the line between respect and the representation of her client.
Adding that it was an honour and a privilege to have known her, he added that his thoughts were with Helen’s family including her son Eoin.
Speaking on behalf of local solicitors, Mr Kieran O’Gorman said Ms Salmon was a gentle person, far too gentle for the legal profession.
He added that she was a gentle soul and a lovely person and someone who will be deeply missed.
Speaking on behalf of the Legal Aid Board, Ms Lorraine Clarke said she wished to express her condolences to Helen’s family and wide circle of friends, describing the late solicitor as “a wonderful colleague and a very dear friend.”
