Retired Mayo director of services represented best of public service

WARM tributes have been paid to John Condon who has retired as a director of services with Mayo County Council.

John stepped away quietly after four decades of public service but the councillors and colleagues he worked with have been saying thanks for his immense contribution to life in Castlebar and the county.

At the local Castlebar Municipal District, where he was director, cathaoirleach Councillor Al McDonnell led tributes to a man with an encylopaedic mind.

John's knowledge of legislation and elections in particular was commented on by other councillors too, who described him as someone who always gave great advice and whose opinion was always respected.

A man of great ability, you trusted him and his words always carried weight, said Councillor Harry Barrett.

John Condon was an excellent example of public service; he represented the best of it, he added.

The director had a great passion for his adopted town of Castlebar and he was in public service for the right reasons, said Councillor Ger Deere. Castlebar was a better place because of him and they were all better people too because John made a difference to them personally and to the town.

Anne Moore is now acting director of services and she and municipal head David Mellett both paid tribute to a colleague who made a 'huge contribution' to Mayo County Council.

Tributes were also paid at an earlier environment and climate change strategic policy committee meeting where cathaoirleach Councillor Gerry Murray recalled Mr. Condon's massive knowledge of legislation and local government, being a man who was always on top of his brief.

Councillor Peter Flynn agreed that whatever advice he gave, you could rely on it being 100% correct.

His only 'beef' was that they found out about the director's retirement the day he was gone, and in terms of succession it was a poor reflection on the organisation, he said.