Tributes are paid to departing council officials

Councillors in Ballina have extended good wishes to two departing members of the staff of Mayo County Council.

The matter was raised at last week's municipal district meeting by Cathaoirleach Cllr Jarlath Munnelly who paid tribute to Director of Services John Condon, who has retired after a long career in local government, and Mike Kinsella, who is taking up a new role in the Office of Public Works (OPW).

Cllr Annie May Reape said John Condon’s exit from the council had happened very quickly, adding: “Everyone adored and admired John. He was a natural official with a brain that was hard to beat. He had unbelievable knowledge of every act and every book and was always very supportive and very nice with it. Of course, he was also our Returning Officer for many elections down the years and we will miss him for that as well.” 

Municipal district manager Declan Turnbull said Mike Kinsella had been a great stalwart in the architects’ section of the council and would no doubt be equally productive for the OPW, while John Condon’s retirement had been unexpected. 

“He surprised us all last Friday morning and announced at 9am he was retiring and was gone by the end of day."

Director of Services Catherine McConnell said it was very hard to say goodbye to a colleague of such long-standing service as John Condon, saying he had pulled off a coup by keeping his retirement quiet for so long.

“He will be deeply missed. The council owe him for a lot for his service including representing us in a High Court case on his last day.”

• Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.