Airport staff bid farewell to John

DUBLIN Airport staff and management gathered recently to wish a fond farewell to its Salvation Army chaplain before he left for his next assignment in Northern Ireland.

Seven years ago a quiet, unassuming man named John Parrott, arrived at Dublin Airport. His trip to the airport was not to catch a flight or greet an arriving passenger – John was on a mission to provide a greeting of a different kind.

During his time at Dublin Airport John devoted his time to looking after airport staff, passengers and visitors to the airport in any way he could – be it a helping hand or a listening ear. On call 24/7 in his role as chaplain at the airport and as the only Port appointed chaplain in Ireland and the UK, John’s work is varied, interesting and at times challenging.

Gary McClean, Head of Operations at Dublin Airport, personally thanked John for his support to the airport staff and customers.

“You have touched so many people here at the airport and you have also been a great support to the management team,

? Mr McClean told him at a farewell ceremony.

“You will be sorely missed.

?

In response, John said that between his time as chaplain at Dublin Airport and Dublin Port, he estimates he has had contact with some 23,500 people – the majority of them at the airport.

In addition to working with passengers, he said he had been involved in some of the most sensitive times in the lives of staff at work and at home.

“Thank you for the privilege of allowing me to be part of your personal and work lives and thank you for your friendship,

? he told those in attendance.

Everyone at the airport wishes John the best in his new role.