John is married to Eileen (Manager of Ballon Training Centre) and they have two adult children. He was first elected to Carlow County Council in 2009. John is a former Manager of Tullow Mart and has served as County Chairman of Macra Na Feirme.
He a member of the Joint Policing Committee on Carlow County Council and a member of the Carlow Tourism Board. He is also a member of the Ballon Improvement Group and a former treasurer of the Ballon/Rathoe Athletic Club and Community Games.
John served as Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, for 2016-17.