John Leydon
John Leydon (1895–1979), was an Irish civil servant, who served in a number of significant roles in ministerial departments and was involved in the setting up and development of a number of semi-state organisations such as Irish Shipping (first chairman), Aer Rianta (served as director and chariman), Aer Lingus[1] (served as chairman), and the Institute of Public Administration (which he served as its first president).[2]
Leydon was educated at St. Mel's College, Longford, before going to Maynooth College as a seminarian, he did not pursue the priesthood, and instead joined the British civil service in 1915. A devout catholic, he was a member of the Legion of Mary a colleague in the civil service of its founder Frank Duff, and a close friend, Duff served as his best man.[3] He was awarded by the Vatican the title Knight Commander with star of the Order of St. Gregory the Great in 1948.[4] Leydon was awarded an honorary doctorate from Trinity College. University of Dublinin 1961.
He died on August 2nd, 1979 and is buried in Deans Grange Cemetary Dublin.
References
- ^ May 1986 marked 50 years of Aer Lingus RTE Archives, May 19, 1986.
- ^ John Leydon by Michael Kennedy, RIA/Cambridge Dictionary of Irish Biography
- ^ 'Frank Duff - A life Story' by Dr. Finola Kennedy.
- ^ Papal Orders Past Members www.papalorders.ie
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