Co Armagh: Tribute to former Mayor who ‘made a real and lasting difference to so many people’
Tributes have been paid to the late Sylvia McRoberts MBE, a former Armagh councillor who served as Mayor of Armagh City and District Council in 2001-02.
The late UUP representative passed away peacefully on July 16. Addressing fellow members at the July 27 monthly meeting of Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council, Councillor Thomas O’Hanlon was the first to pay tribute to the former Armagh Mayor.
The SDLP representative for Armagh DEA commented: “I’d like to pay tribute to a former council colleague and former Mayor of Armagh, Sylvia McRoberts, MBE.
“Armagh lost one of its greatest public servants. Sylvia dedicated so much of her life to serving the people of her city, and it’s my privilege to have served alongside her on Armagh City and District Council for 10 years.
“Sylvia was never the loudest voice in the room, but she was always one of the most respected. “She was softly spoken, thoughtful, and compassionate. And when Sylvia spoke, people listened, because they knew her words were measured, sincere, and always in the best interests of the people she represented.
“She never sought recognition or the headlines. Instead, she earned the respect of colleagues from every political tradition through her integrity, her quiet determination, and her overwhelming commitment to making Armagh a better place.
“She belonged to a remarkable generation of local political leaders who chose partnership over division, at a time when that was neither easy nor popular.
“Alongside colleagues such as the late Anna Brolly, Pat Brannigan, and Jim Speers, she helped lay the foundations for peace and a shared community we continue to build today.
Difficult Times
“Their willingness to work together, even in the most difficult of times, deserves our lasting gratitude.
“And whilst her contribution to public life was immense, those of us fortunate enough to know her will remember something even more important. We remember her kindness, her warmth, her humility, and the respect she showed to everyone she encountered.
“I know Sylvia’s family have been deeply touched by the many tributes that have been paid over recent days and weeks.
“The messages of sympathy and acknowledgement have come from right across the political spectrum, from every part of our community in Armagh and from further afield.
“This is a testament to the respect, affection, and admiration in which Sylvia was held throughout her life, and I hope it brings her family some comfort at this very difficult time.
“On behalf of the SDLP, I extend my deepest sympathies to Sylvia’s children, grandchildren, and the entire McRoberts family.
“May they find strength in the love that surrounds them, and comfort in knowing that Sylvia made a real and lasting difference to so many people.
“Sylvia leaves behind a legacy of service, decency, and leadership. She has truly left Armagh in a better place than she found it, and there can be no finer tribute than that.”
ABC Lord Mayor, Councillor Mary O’Dowd (SF, Lurgan DEA) remarked: “I think when someone passes, it doesn’t matter what role they held or whatever — you have to think of the family they’ve left behind. So, our condolences go to Sylvia’s family.”
Councillor Scott Armstrong (DUP, Armagh DEA) echoed Councillor O’Hanlon’s tribute. He commented: “I do want to be associated with those remarks and pass on my condolences to the McRoberts family.
“I know that Sylvia was a stalwart and a huge champion for our Armagh City and served it diligently for many years. So, on behalf of myself and our party here, we would like to pass on our condolences as well.”
Alderman Gordon Kennedy (UUP, Cusher DEA) recalled with great fondness serving alongside Mrs McRoberts.
He told fellow councillors: “I had the privilege of serving on the old Armagh Council, albeit a short term, with Sylvia, an outstanding public servant.
“She really had Armagh at heart and was behind a lot of projects, especially Armagh Rural Transport, of which she was one of the founder members.
“I was talking to her at the 25th anniversary reception in the Palace. Sylvia was able to attend, be it in a wheelchair, and she was still very glad that it was her legacy that was behind this. So, on behalf of all Ulster Unionists, I’d like to pass our sympathies on to the entire family circle.”
Councillor Keith Ratcliffe (TUV, Cusher DEA) said he wished to be associated with the tributes paid to the late councillor, adding: “Sylvia obviously was an excellent councillor for Armagh, very well thought of and very well respected. I’d just like to pass on my condolences to all her family at this very sad time.”
Councillor Peter Lavery (Alliance, Lurgan DEA) thanked the late Armagh representative for her service to public duty: “On behalf of my Alliance colleagues, I’d like to be associated with the previous remarks.
“Although I didn’t know Sylvia personally, she had a very strong reputation, particularly for her work in the area. So just on behalf of our group as well, thank you.”
François Vincent, Local Democracy Reporter