18 July 2003: Popular Naas man Johnny Dwyer has retired after almost 30 years working with the outdoor staff of Naas Town Council. He is pictured above receiving a presentation from Naas Mayor Pat O'Reilly.
His long service was recalled at a special presentation on Tuesday when he was presented with a Waterford Chrystal vase by Naas Mayor Pat O’Reilly on his own behalf and that of the members and outdoor staff of the Council.
Town engineer John McGowan recalled that Johnny had worked under three different foremen, four town clerks and 12 engineers. During that time he had worked on the Council’s bin lorry, was a traffic warden, worked on the Council’s housing area as well as the task of keeping the town’s streets clean. “You were a diligent worker and carried out your duties in an official manner,” he told Johnny.
Mayor O’Reilly said people already miss him from the streets, where he made time to help both locals and tourists. He said Johnny had been a hard working shop steward, negotiating on his members behalf.
He also praised his voluntary work with juvenile and junior soccer in the town. “You gave a place to young people who had no place to go, and fundraised to get them out training and to match venues on time.” He urged him to continue this work young people. On behalf of his colleagues he wished him and his wife many years of health and happiness in his retirement.
In that other life outside the Council, Johnny is the President of the very successful local Naas AFC, formerly known as Naas Schoolboys FC.
All councillors joined in complimenting Johnny and wishing him well.
Cllr Seamie Moore said he is famous for his rendition of Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way’. “If the people of Naas were to follow ‘his way’, there would be greater community involvement,” he claimed. He said there is no better man to organise a fundraising concert, and to gain sponsors.
Cllr Eibhlin Bracken complimented Johnny on the way he had looked after children coming out from school onto the busy road. Cllr Anthony Egan said his work was very much appreciated by the people of Naas and by councillors. Johnny’s neighbour of 20 years, Cllr Willie Callaghan recalled how when he had given up as a team trainer, Johnny had turned his hand to refereeing.
Cllr Charlie Byrne said Johnny was ‘a figurehead’ and one of the best characters in the town. He lamented how Naas has lost many of its former characters. “He often gave me a bit of lip, too” he quipped. “But he was also giving good advice and directing and helping people. People trusted him. He was doing a lot more work than actually cleaning the streets,” he said. Tongue in cheek, he suggested Johnny could perhaps run for the local elections next year.
Cllr Timmy Conway called Johnny ‘a true Naas person’ and the amount of knowledge he had about the town was ‘unbelievable’. “He was dedicated to the principle that the workers come first and if everyone adopted the same attitude to life, and to work, we would have a great country,” he said adding: “He was never afraid of anyone and this town owes him a debt of gratitude.”
Cllr Mary Glennon said she was sorry to see Johnny retiring as he was a familar sight down the town. “I’ll miss you,” she told him. She recalled how he had received a Person of the Year award from Naas Town Council.
Town manager Tommy Skehan wished him health and happiness.
Sitting in the Mayor’s chair at the Council table, Johnny thanked all for their good wishes and comments. He said he was ‘just an ordinary worker, the same as all the lads’. He had enjoyed his 30 years on Naas Town Council and working with the various members of staff. He particularly mentioned John McGowan, Eddie Hubbard and Seamus Coffey.
