Tributes to Mayo council official who is retiring after 47 years service

WARM tributes have been paid to a council official who is retiring after 47 years service.

John McHale has served at every level in Mayo County Council and was thanked for his fairness and help to many when he joined his last Castlebar Municipal District meeting.

Mr. McHale is acting head of the district and previous roles included in the machinery yard, as a revenue collector, partnership facilitator, and working in housing, a role in which he was credited with making a difference in many lives.

Leading the tributes, cathaoirleach Councillor Michael Kilcoyne said Mr. McHale was possibly the longest serving public official in Ireland, and he was a man with a wealth of knowledge.

He was described as an outstanding official who had made an immense contribution to the local authority by Councillor Al McDonnell. A person who was firm but fair, he would be a great loss.

Councillor Blackie Gavin thanked him for his commitment and dedication and joined with all his colleagues in wishing him and his family all the best for the future.

There were a lot of people living in homes today who were thankful to John McHale, said Councillor Cyril Burke.

A calming influence who provided help, support and kindness is how Councillor Donna Sheridan summed up Mr. McHale, and he would be missed, she said.

Councillor Ger Deere said he would be leaving a great legacy, particularly in his role in housing, and had changed many people's lives.

Noting the wonderful service he had given to the council, Councillor Martin McLoughlin also extended his good wishes.

Noting the different roles his work colleague had performed over the years, including as head of the MD, director of services John Condon said if someone needed help, especially with housing, John McHale would find a way to help them.

Thanking them for their kind words, John McHale said it had been a pleasure to work in the council. He thanked all the staff he had worked with, particularly in housing, where, at the moment there is a lot of stress. It is not an easy place to be but they try to do as good a job as they can.