Former UUP councillor Cyril McLoughlin championed farming issues

The father-of-three represented the Craigavon Central ward on the old Craigavon Council in the 1980s prior to the formation of the current Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council.

Former mayor Kenneth Twyble knew Mr McLoughlin well and said he was greatly saddened to hear of his passing.

“He was a staunch unionist, you can be absolutely sure of that,” Cllr Twyble said.

“A staunch Ulster Unionist, very much from a farming background and he was a great campaigner for the farming community and for agriculture.

“He farmed right up until his later years when he was suffering with dementia.”

Cllr Twyble said Mr McLoughlin was a committed public representative when they worked together on council business.

“I had the greatest respect for Cyril as a party member and he will be badly missed by everyone who knew him,” Cllr Twyble told the News Letter.

“The family if very well-known and would have been very much involved in farming affairs for many years.

“He kept the tradition going in the family as long as he was able.

“I was a teacher for many years and taught most of his family, including his son Robin who is now the principal of Banbridge Academy, so I am very sad for the whole family.”

UUP councillor Julie Flaherty described Mr McLoughlin as a “true gentleman”.

In a Facebook post, Cllr Flaherty said: I am so sorry to hear this. A true gentleman and kind friend to all.

“Condolences to all the family at this very difficult time.”

A family notice on the Funeral Times website states that Mr McLoughlin died peacefully at home on Portadown’s Lurgan Road on Sunday, and is survived by wife Winnie and sons David, Alan and Robin, daughter in laws Anna, Fiona and Jennifer and grandchildren Ella, Maria and Edward.

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