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 several 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, whose founder Frank Duff, was a close friend and best man at Leydon’s wedding.[4]

Awards and 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.

Death

Leydon died on 2 August 1979, aged 84. He is buried in Deans Grange Cemetery Dublin.

References
  1. John Leydon bio, dib.cambridge.org; accessed 27 December 2021.
  2. May 1986 marked 50 years of Aer Lingus RTE Archives, 19 May 1986.
  3. John Leydon bio, dib.cambridge.org; accessed 27 December 2021.
  4. Frank Duff - A life Story by Dr. Finola Kennedy.
  5. "Past Members". Association of Papal Orders in Ireland. Retrieved 7 December 2021.
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