Senior Mayo council official retiring after long and dedicated service
John Condon has announced he is retiring from his role as a senior official with Mayo County Council after long and dedicated service.
A local government staff member since 1984, he held the role of director of services since 2017, assigned the responsibility for Water Services, Environment, Climate Change and Agriculture, Emergency Services and Elections.
He was head of Castlebar Municipal District.
John served as the returning officer for the local elections in Mayo for a considerable time and his departure creates a huge void in that regard.
He was also town clerk of the former Castlebar Town Council.
Originally from Tipperary, John also previously worked in Dublin City Council, Kildare County Council and Athy Town Council.
In an email to colleagues and councillors, he stated: "As I am retiring at the weekend, today is my last day at work.
"I appreciate that my youthfulness means that many of you will be shocked at receiving this news!
"I wish to thank everyone of you for all the courtesy and support which you have extended to me since I commenced working in Mayo in 1984.
"I have enjoyed coming to work and I believe that very few careers provide as much job satisfaction as local government.
"I wish you and those who are close to you every success and happiness now and in the future.
"Go math agaibh go leir."
In a tribute, Councillor Al McDonnell, cathaoirleach, Castlebar Municipal District, described Mr. Condon's retirement as 'a colossal loss to local government'.
He elaborated: "His knowledge of local government legislation and procedures was encyclopedic - and his wisdom was sought out regularly by other local authorities and agencies.
"His understanding of proportional representation in our electoral system was immense and, again, he was always willing to pass on his insights and knowledge to others.
"John's assistance and guidance to elected members was immense, always pointing them in the right direction. His successor will have huge shoes to fill.
"I wish him many years of health and happiness in his retirement."