Sadness following death of businessman and one of Ireland West Airport’s founding board members

John Dillon of Ballindrehid, Ballyhaunis, died unexpectedly at Mayo University Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Mr Dillon was well known throughout County Mayo as a businessman and a former Board and Trust member at Ireland West Airport, Knock.

He was also involved with the Chamber of Commerce and a former Director at Midwest Radio.

Mr Dillon was married to Cait, and a father to Sheila, Joanne, Barbara and Tom.

Mr Dillon’s remains are reposing at Donnellan’s Funeral Home, Clare Street, Ballyhaunis on Saturday evening from 5pm until 7pm.

Funeral will arrive to St Patrick’s Church, Ballyhaunis on Monday morning for Funeral Mass at 11am, with burial afterwards in the local cemetery.

Funeral Mass can be viewed live on Ballyhaunis Parish webcam or listened to on Ballyhaunis parish radio.

Mr Dillon joined the Airport Board in the very early days back in 1985, serving with the late Monsignor Horan, and held the title of Airport secretary when it officially opened in 1986.

He also was a passenger on the very first scheduled flight into the Airport operated by Ryanair.

Mr Dillon 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.

Mr Dillon’s experience and expertise in the travel industry was 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, Mr Dillon 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 1980s with Monsignor Horan.

Paying tribute to Mr Dillon, Arthur French, Chairman, Ireland West Airport said he always had a smile, a laugh and word of advice for staff when passing through.

“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,” said Mr French.

Mr Dillon is survived by his wife Cait, daughters Sheila, Joanne and Barbara, son Tom, sons-in-law Fachtna and John, daughter-in-law Caroline, grandsons Tommy, Jack, Liam, Jamie and Jack, granddaughters Erin, Rachel and Laura, brothers Paddy and Frankie, sisters Norrie, Joanie and Hilary, his great neighbours and many wonderful friends.

Mr Dillon is predeceased by his parents Sheila and Jack and his brother Bertie.