Probation officer Miriam Zooms into retirement!
MANY tributes have been paid to Miriam Tallon on her retirement from the Probation Service after a career spanning 40 years.
Having first served as a probation officer in Dublin, and in Castlebar since the late '90s, her dedication to helping clients referred to the service by the courts to turn their lives around was exemplary.
With the pandemic putting an end to any in-person celebration, Miriam received many tributes at a surprise retirement function held on Zoom as her probation team gave her as memorable a send-off as possible. She was joined on Zoom by a large number of current and retired colleagues from around the country and the probation services' criminal justice partners in Mayo, who lauded her outstanding qualities and achievements over her 40-year career.
A video of tributes and a 'This is Your Life' photo slideshow were played on Zoom and Miriam could only describe herself as 'overwhelmed and lost for words' - qualities not normally attributed to Miriam!
Miriam’s role as probation officer involved assessing offenders and supervising them in the community. She was particularly pleased to receive flowers and cards from clients on her retirement.
She was deeply committed to the rehabilitation of offenders and helped many people to turn their lives around.
Retired Judge Mary Devins once referred to Miriam in court (like the Carlsberg ad) as 'probably the best probation officer in Ireland'. She now added: “Your clients benefited from your expertise, your professionalism and your complete dedication to their betterment.”
Solicitor Gary Mulchrone described how Miriam went to great lengths to help people over the years. “You saw the best in people and you did your best for people.”
His colleague Cathy McDarby, solicitor, described Miriam as 'an amazing person', while State Solicitor Vinny Deane said: “Your enthusiasm, dedication and strong work ethic, coupled with your ability to see the good in everyone, has always been admirable.”
Barrister Diarmuid Connolly thanked Miriam sincerely for all her hard work. And Ann Cawley, court registrar, added: “We will miss your bubbly personality and the judiciary will miss your helpful probation reports.”
The Probation Services' regional manager, Carmel Donnelly, said that Miriam had helped many to live crime-free lives and overcome adversity.
Colleagues thanked Miriam for the huge contribution she made as a trade union official and for her role as a trainer with the service's learning and development unit.
Inspector Naomi de Ris and Sergeant Peter Hanley thanked Miriam for her support and cooperation over the years while retired Garda Eamonn Berry recounted stories from the many adventures Miriam had with the Court Ramblers, trekking around the hills and dales of Mayo. He wished her every enjoyment in that 'Tir na nÓg' atmosphere of Achill Island.
Miriam, a native of Dublin and a UCD graduate, was first appointed to the Coolock/Darndale area of Dublin. Two challenging assignments followed - Arbour Hill and Mountjoy Prisons.
From childhood holidays in Achill, Miriam had a yearning to live there and in 1991 she fulfilled that dream and headed west to live on the island. Such was her determination that she commuted to Galway for seven years before finally being transferred to Castlebar.
Miriam is married to Jim O’Malley and they have two children, Shane and Maeve.
The dynamic Miriam has been an exceptional probation officer, admired and respected by colleagues and clients alike. She leaves a powerful legacy and is wished a long, healthy, happy and fulfilling retirement.