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 chairman), 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 Cemetery Dublin.

References
  1. May 1986 marked 50 years of Aer Lingus RTE Archives, May 19, 1986.
  2. John Leydon by Michael Kennedy, RIA/Cambridge Dictionary of Irish Biography
  3. 'Frank Duff - A life Story' by Dr. Finola Kennedy.
  4. Papal Orders Past Members www.papalorders.ie
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