John O Leary OBE who moved to Hednesford from Fermoy, Ireland worked at several of our local collieries before pursuing a career in local politics and serving as Chairman of Staffordshire County Council from 1989 to 1996.

John received the highest award of Honorary Alderman in recognition of his services to the Council. In 2007 John received an OBE for his exceptional service to the county of Staffordshire.

An education centre on Marquis Drive and the Function Room at Pye Green Community Centre are both named in his honour.

Pictured: Alan Brown (who presented the lamp) with Hednesford Town Council Chairperson Cllr Alan Pearson