John Leydon
John Leydon (17 January 1895 – 2 August 1979)[1] 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 chairman), Aer Lingus[2] (served as chairman), and the Institute of Public Administration (which he served as its first president). [3]
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.[4]
Awards/Honours[]
He was awarded by the Vatican the title Knight Commander with star of the Order of St. Gregory the Great in 1948.[5] Leydon was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Dublin in 1961.[citation needed]
Death[]
Leydon died on 2 August 1979, aged 84. He is buried in Deans Grange Cemetery Dublin.[citation needed]
References[]
- ^ John Leydon bio, dib.cambridge.org; accessed 27 December 2021.
- ^ May 1986 marked 50 years of Aer Lingus RTE Archives, 19 May 1986.
- ^ John Leydon bio, dib.cambridge.org; accessed 27 December 2021.
- ^ Frank Duff - A life Story by Dr. Finola Kennedy.
- ^ "Past Members". Association of Papal Orders in Ireland. Retrieved 7 December 2021.
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- 1895 births
- 1979 deaths
- Alumni of St Patrick's College, Maynooth
- Irish civil servants
- Burials at Deans Grange Cemetery
- Knights Commander with Star of the Order of St. Gregory the Great
- Irish people stubs
- Government biography stubs