Tributes to Noel Dillon ahead of funeral

Tributes have been paid to Noel Dillon, a former county manager for Cork and Wexford, who will be buried today.

As a mark of respect, the mayor of Co Cork, Alan Coleman, has decided to call a special meeting in County Hall today to remember Mr Dillon, who served as county manager in Cork from 1993 to 1998.

Mr Dillon died after a short illness at Marymount Hospice. His removal took place last night from O’Connor’s Funeral Home, Wilton, to the Church of the Holy Spirit, Dennehy’s Cross.

He will be buried after requiem Mass at 12pm today in St Finbarr’s Cemetery, Glasheen.

Mr Coleman described Mr Dillon as “a breath of fresh air” when it came to public servants.

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“He was a larger than life character who had a passion for local government and felt it was an honour to have served in local government,” said Mr Coleman. “He was very frank and very open. He was really a breath of fresh air at the time and not at all a typical public servant.”

He said one of Mr Dillon’s legacies was his willingness to engage with communities, especially in rural areas, to further their development.

“It was under his leadership that the council got involved in urban and village renewal,” said Mr Coleman.

“He felt passionately about funding projects where local community groups were involved and would get even more involved if those communities themselves were prepared to put up some share of the money.

“Even after he retired as county manager he served on the board of IRD Duhallow and continued to play a role in it until his recent illness.”

Mr Coleman has called the special meeting for 11am so that councillors will have a chance to later attend Mr Dillon’s funeral.

Mr Dillon is survived by his wide Delia (née Barrett), sons Michael, Conor, and Niall, and daughters Elaine and Jane.

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