‘A Year of Firsts’ - P.J.looks back on being Mayor

At the same time, the DUP’s Beth Adger, became the first woman to hold the deputy mayor position. Before this milestone for the borough, Alderman McAvoy had 27 years of unbroken service as a councillor in Ballymena.

Looking back on his historic year in office, he reflects on significant developments for the borough...

“As I entered my year in office as Mayor, I knew that regardless of my own background, I was acting as an ambassador for every citizen and would savour working for every single person and local business of the borough; supporting local retailers and doing everything I could with a ‘citizen-focus’ to ensure that collectively, we succeeded in promoting our town, tourism and economy.

My position as Mayor was a personal milestone and humbling for me, but most importantly it was a progressive and inclusive move for Council.

“It was a truly historic development, putting aside divisions of the past and displaying Ballymena Borough Council’s remarkable leadership, inclusivity and drive in helping the town to further advance.

My appointment was the first in a series of significant developments for the borough. One of my highlights was having the opportunity to confer on Liam Neeson the ‘Freedom of the Borough’. I was incredibly proud.”

Alderman McAvoy also recalled welcoming Boris Johnson and Theresa Villiers, among others, to mark investment made in the Borough, adding: “These votes of confidence in the town and surrounding areas, illustrate how thriving Ballymena is, as it grows as a place to do business and as an important part of the N. Ireland economy.”

He continued: “As I reflect on the year, I am most grateful for the unanimous and cross-party support I have received from the elected members of Ballymena Borough Council.

“What a remarkable year - and this coming year promises to be another year of firsts as we commence with the appointment of the first female Mayor of Ballymena Councillor Audrey Wales MBE.”