“John Field was one of the best public servants any local authority could look for. When we had problems with our finances, he showed us the way forward,” he said.

Cllr Joe Leddin congratulated Mr Field on his new position as director of finance at UL and thanked him for his “excellent” service and “in depth knowledge”.

“John has an excellent manner and a wonderful way of dealing with people and I don't think we can even estimate his loss to this organisation. He turned the finances of city hall around and as a result, we were the first local authority to reduce the commercial rate in the city for three consecutive years.”

Former mayor, John Gilligan, agreed with Cllr Leddin adding that while the average increase in rates for other local authorities was 12% while Limerick city's average was a reduction of 2%.

“Limerick Cty Council's loss is UL's gain but I'm sure that John will continue to make a large contribution to the city.”

City Manager, Tom Mackey, said that Mr Field's departure was “a huge loss” and his contribution exemplary.

“Having John will be a huge advantage to UL. I think everyone who dealt with him would say he's a very solid and sound person and he is well loved and respected. He has put a very strong team in place which is much in the same mould.”

Mr Field said that he had to make a “very difficult decision” and that working in the council had been “a privilege”.

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