‘Respected across political spectrum’
THE funeral took place on Friday of former Mayor of Sligo, John Harrison.
Mr Harrison was a Fianna Fáil councillor on Sligo Corporation and was Mayor on two occasions in 1976 and in 1987.
From Greenfort Estate, Cairns Road the late Mr Harrison passed away last Monday at Nenagh Hospital surrounded by family members.
Mr Harrison was a past pupil of St Edward’s National School, and Sligo Technical School, then in Quay Street.He became a fitter in Denny’s Factory before successfully applying for a scholarship to Bolton Street College, Dublin. On qualifying as a teacher he became a temporary metalwork teacher in Sligo Technical School. His first permanent position as a teacher was in Ballyshannon.
He then applied for a position as a teacher in Sligo Technical School and was successful and eventually became Principal of Ballinode Community College (the new name for the Technical School) He was a member of the Feis Shligigh Committee for many years and held the position of Honorary Secretary.
He was first elected to the Corporation in 1974. He topped the poll in the West Ward in the subsequent local elections (1979) and (1985). earning him the title Alderman He retired from public life in 1994 - after serving for 20 years on Sligo Corporation. He was conferred with the Freedom of the Borough in 1997.
His father-in-law was the late
Councillor Michael Hughes, who spearheaded the campaign to have a third bridge built across the Garavogue river in the 1940’s. The bridge, when eventually opened in 1988 was named the Michael Hughes Bridge in his honour.
He is survived by his wife, Ann and children, Michael, Margaret, John, Paul, Trevor, Olivia and Rory and extended family. Requiem mass took place on Friday morning at 11:30am with burial in Sligo Cemetery afterwards.
As is usual for a former Mayor of the town, the cortege passed through the centre of Sligo, passing up Adelaide Street, Wine Street, Stephen Street and Bridge Street on the way to the cemetery.
The present members of Sligo County Council along with former Mayors and elected representatives formed a guard of honour. The Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Councillor Tom MacSharry said Mr Harrison was universally liked and respected across the political spectrum.
“From the time he was first elected to Sligo Corporation he served with great distinction and integrity. His background in education – he was the first Principal of Ballinode College – was an invaluable resource for the Corporation and the wider community. His passion for Sligo knew no bounds, and he instigated numerous projects and initiatives during his time on the Council. Being elected Mayor and subsequently Freeman of Sligo were deserved recognition for his exemplary public service,” said Cllr MacSharry.
Sligo’s longest serving councillor Declan Bree said: “John Harrison and I were both elected for the first time in 1974. I had the privilege over the years of serving with John as a member of the Corporation, the Borough of Sligo Vocational Education Committee, the Museum Committee and various other committees.
“Despite our different political backgrounds John Harrison and I had a very good relationship on the Council. He was always passionate about Sligo, its development and its prosperity. He campaigned for city status and he consistently lobbied for funding for youth facilities and for projects such as the successful Urban Renewal Scheme along the banks of the Garavogue. As a teacher, and as a politician, he had an abiding interest in education, particularly in terms of improving educational facilities and ensuring the necessary resources were made available to those who required them.
“He was one of those who pioneered the development of the Youthreach programme in Sligo which offered opportunities to young unemployed school leavers.
“0John had a deep sense of civic commitment as demonstrated by his involvement, not only in political life and local government but also in terms of promoting our culture and heritage and particularly in his voluntary work over the decades with Feis Shligigh.
“He was a man of principle with very high standards and he was always guided by a desire to act in the common good. Having had the privilege of serving alongside him for two decades I can give testament to his integrity, his dedication and his sense of service to the people of this community. I extend my sympathy to his wife Ann and to his sons, daughters, his sisters and brother and extended family.” said Cllr Bree.