Tributes paid to 'respected and renowned businessman'
The late Mr John Dillon. Pic. Ireland West Airport Knock
Tributes have been paid this evening to one of Ireland West Airport’s founding board members, Mr John Dillon of Ballindrehid, Ballyhaunis, who died unexpectedly at Mayo University Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
Mr Dillon was well known throughout the west as a businessman and a former Board and Trust member at the airport.
He held the distinction of being the airport's longest-serving board member and was a passenger on the first flight into Knock. He also held the title of airport secretary when the facility officially opened in 1986.
In a statement this evening Ireland West Airport said: "All at Ireland West Airport are saddened to learn of the passing of former Board and Trust member, John Dillon.
"John was a respected and renowned businessman in his own right, operating the very successful family travel business in Ballyhaunis, John Dillon & Sons, originally established by his grandfather to accommodate the Irish who were emigrating and seeking tickets for the transatlantic boat which came into port in Galway.
"He was passionate about travel and unwavering in his dedication to progress the airport during his 24-year tenure. John’s experience and expertise in the travel industry were key to developing the Airport’s charter business, which saw significant growth from 2002 onwards – the results of which are now enjoyed by the thousands of passengers who use the airport today.
"In recent years, John with his family continued to travel and use the airport on many occasions and was clearly proud of what has been achieved over the decades since his endeavours in developing it from the 1980’s with Monsignor Horan. He always had a smile, a laugh and a word of advice for staff when passing through."
Paying tribute to John Dillon, Arthur French, Chairman of Ireland West Airport, added: “Today is a sad day for the Dillon family, his many friends, neighbours and the wider community as we learned of John’s unexpected passing. On behalf of the airport, we offer our sincere condolences and prayers to his wife, Cait; daughters, Sheila, Joanne and Barbara; son, Tom and family at this time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
