Top Mayo official confirmed as Longford supremo

PADDY Mahon, one of Mayo County Council’s best known officials, is to take over as chief executive of Longford County Council later this year.

He will replace Tim Caffrey who officially retired from the position with effect from March 6.

It is understood that Mr. Mahon, who is currently a director of services at Áras An Chontae with responsibility for the towns of Castlebar and Claremorris, beat off stiff opposition for the prestigious position.

At least four candidates were shortlisted for the post which was advertised earlier this year by the Public Appointments Service.

Members of Longford County Council will meet in the coming weeks to ratify Mr. Mahon’s appointment.

A native of Tuam, Co. Galway, Mr. Mahon started work as a civil engineer with Mayo County Council before rising through the ranks to the position of director of services.

Congratulating Mr. Mahon on his pending appointment, Councillor Michael Holmes, cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, said: “Longford’s gain is Mayo’s loss.”

Mr. Holmes added: “Paddy is renowned for his ability to communicate, both with elected members, members of staff and the general public. He always adopts a common sense approach when it comes to getting problems solved.”

Away from his professional duties, Mr. Mahon is actively involved with Castlebar Mitchels and its underage structures.

His departure creates a vacancy at executive level of the council with the names of Iain Douglas, Martin Keating, John Condon and Paul Benson set to be linked with the post.