The elected members of Mayo County Council paid glowing tributes to departing county manager Des Mahon at his final meeting before he retired from his position. The Roscommon native who has held the position since July 1990 was given a standing ovation by those in the chamber when he spoke at the end of the meeting last Monday.
Starting off the tributes was Fine Gael whip Cllr Joe Mellett who said it was a special and sad day as he presided over his last meeting of the council. He said Mayo had prospered because of Mr Mahon, a Roscommon man who gave his all to Mayo.
Cllr Mellett congratulated Mr Mahon for purchasing Turlough House and the old bank building in Ballina and commended the retiring manager for his commitment to Knock Airport. He wished him health and happiness in his retirement.
Fianna Fáil councillor Al McDonnell led the tributes from his side of the house. He spoke of the economic and social fund and how this has fuelled the development of communities in every corner of Mayo under the guidance of Mr Mahon. He said Mr Mahon always defended the democratic process and was held in high regard in every county in Ireland.
Independent councillor Michael Holmes said Mayo was losing a great leader while Sinn Féin councillor Gerry Murray thanked Mr Mahon for always supporting towns on the periphery of the county.
After taking the plaudits from almost the entire elected membership of the council, Mr Mahon told them of his admiration for them. “I have always admired someone who was not afraid to put themselves before the people for election. I have worked with five different councils in my time here and they have all made some huge decisions, from giving the go ahead to invest in Turlough Park all those years ago to more recently with the purchase of the Jackie Clarke library’s new premises. I was appointed in July 1990 and given the task of following men whose endeavour and hard work made it a tough task to follow and I have done my best. But there was a large team of people who all did the work, including the front bench of managers here, all the office staff and all the outdoor staff which made this the county it has become. I’ve enjoyed every minute of my 20 years in office.”
