Tributes paid to 'respected and renowned businessman'

Tributes have been paid this evening to one of Ireland West Airport’s founding board members, Mr John Dillon of Ballindrehid, Ballyhaunis, who died unexpectedly at Mayo University Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Mr Dillon was well known throughout the west as a businessman and a former Board and Trust member at the airport. He held the distinction of being the airport's longest-serving board member and was a passenger on the first flight into Knock. In a statement this evening Ireland West Airport said: "All at Ireland West Airport are saddened to learn of the passing of former Board and Trust member, John Dillon. "John 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.