John Leydon

John Leydon (17 January 1895 – 2 August 1979) 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 a number of semi-state organisations such as Irish Shipping (first chairman), Aer Rianta (as director and chairman), Aer Lingus (as chairman), and the Institute of Public Administration (first president).

Early life and education Leydon was born in Arigna, County Roscommon, on 17 January 1895. His parents were farmers, James and Kate Leydon . Leydon had 3 siblings. He was educated at St. Mel's College, Longford, before going to Maynooth College as a seminarian from 1913 to 1914.

Career Whilst in the British civil service, he worked in the War Office and Ministry of Pensions. He was the private secretary to George Chrystal, the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Pensions from 1919. In this role he met Andy Cope, who became a mentor to him, and ensured Leydon's transfer to the new Irish civil service in 1923. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Dublin in 1961.

Family and death Leydon married Anne 'Nan' Layden in 1927, and they had one daughter, Mary. Leydon died on 2 August 1979, aged 84. He is buried in Dean's Grange Cemetery Dublin.