Minute's silence at Mayo meeting in show of respect following deaths

A MINUTE'S silence was observed at the monthly meeting of Mayo County Council this afternoon as a mark of respect to the late TD and football manager John O'Mahony, Aisling Moore and her daughter Abbigael Tournié Moore, Swinford, and John Dillon, a founding board member of Ireland West Airport.

The grief felt in the county at the passing of a sporting and political legend, the tragic loss of a mother and child in a traffic accident, and the passing of a businessman who was an unsung hero in the Knock airport story was reflected on by elected members.

John O'Mahony, who will be laid to rest in Ballaghaderreen on Thursday, was remembered for being a man who empowered others, on the football field and off it. A fantastic family man, he was recalled as being a diligent, caring politician who wanted to get results for the people he represented.

The grief felt in communities across east Mayo and beyond at the loss of Aisling Moore (46) and eight-year-old Abbigael was also highlighted as members expressed heartfelt sympathy with their loved ones on a devastating tragedy.

Knock airport board member John Dillon, who died recently, and who was on the first scheduled flight into the airport, was someone whose legacy will continue to be felt by the thousands who use the facility, the meeting heard. That legacy is also evident in his community, where he ran a successful travel business, and where he was involved in organisations such as the local GAA club and Chamber of Commerce, among others.

Expressing condolences to the respective families on their loss, the chamber stood in respect to observe a minute's silence in their memory.