New chairperson elected for South West Mayo Development Company
Islandeady native takes up role alongside new Vice-Chairperson Donna Hyland of Manulla
South West Mayo Development Company (SWMDC) has announced the appointment of John Cannon as its new Chairperson, with Donna Hyland elected Vice-Chairperson following a recent meeting of the Board of Directors.
Mr Cannon, a native of Islandeady, has served on the SWMDC Board since 2024 and previously held the role of Vice-Chairperson.
A lifelong volunteer, he is currently Chairperson of Mayo Community Futures and Islandeady Community Alert. He also brings professional experience in purchasing, supplier management, team leadership and financial oversight, having held responsibility for multi-million-euro budgets during his career with a large local healthcare company.
Mr Cannon said he was honoured to have been elected and thanked fellow Board members for their confidence in him.
“SWMDC plays a vital role in supporting communities, businesses, and individuals throughout the region, and I look forward to working with the Board, management, and staff as we continue to build on the organisation’s strong foundations and deliver positive outcomes for the communities we serve,” he said.
He also paid tribute to outgoing Chairperson Thomas Fitzpatrick, acknowledging his leadership of SWMDC and his work advocating for rural communities.
On behalf of the Board, Mr Cannon thanked Mr Fitzpatrick for his commitment, dedication and service, saying he looked forward to building on the legacy he leaves behind.
New Vice-Chairperson Donna Hyland is a resident of Manulla and has been a member of the SWMDC Board since 2021.
She is the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) nominee to the Board and chairs the company’s Audit, Finance and HR Committee. She is also a member of Mayo County Council’s Economic and Enterprise Strategic Policy Committee.
Ms Hyland said she looked forward to working closely with Mr Cannon and the Board to strengthen the organisation and support local development.
“Having spent five years on the SWMDC Board, I have seen firsthand the positive impact that the company has on communities and individuals across the region,” she said.
SWMDC Chief Executive Sabina Trench welcomed both appointments, highlighting the experience and commitment they would bring to their respective roles.
She also acknowledged the voluntary contribution of the Board of Directors, saying its members brought valuable expertise, local knowledge and a strong commitment to the organisation’s work.
The Board, management and staff of SWMDC have wished both appointees well in their new roles.
The company works with communities, businesses and individuals across the region, guided by a commitment to making its engagement with people and communities empowering, enriching and energising.