The figureheads of two council district areas have bid a very fond farewell as their respective terms draw to an end.
For Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Lord Mayor Sarah Duffy was – at 32 – the youngest female councillor ever to be elected to the position.
The mother of twin 8-year-old girls – Emily and Lucia – Councillor Duffy first became an elected representative following the 2023 local government election.
And in reflection of her year as Lord Mayor, she gave a very special mention to her two “mini-mayoresses” for their invaluable inspiration – and contribution!
Said the now former Lord Mayor: “As I close the chapter on my term as Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, I just want to say a heartfelt thank you.
“Almost one year ago I took up office as the youngest female Mayor of the council, and it has been the greatest privilege of my life to represent the people of this incredible borough.
“There have been many highlights – hosting the first ever Armagh City Pride event, supporting the first Pop-Up Gaeltacht in ABC’s history, signing the Mid South West Growth Deal, and of course, being the first citizen when Sam Maguire came home to Armagh.
“Moments like that will stay with me forever.
“To my fellow councillors right across the chamber – thank you for the respect and collaboration we’ve shared. To my Sinn Féin colleagues, thank you for welcoming me into your areas with open arms and for your constant support — it has truly meant the world to me.”
“I also want to pay special tribute to Women’s Aid Armagh Down, my chosen Charity of the Year. Your tireless work supporting survivors and challenging violence against women is vital, I got to see first hand the incredible work that you do in our communities and I remain deeply committed to supporting the charity going forward.
“A special word of thanks to Deputy Lord Mayor Kyle Savage – it was a joy to work in partnership with you throughout the year. We have demonstrated what respectful, people-first leadership looks like and you should be incredibly proud of your hard work this year. Thank you for all your support.
“To the incredible council staff who kept me right, the photographers who documented every step, and to the citizens of ABC – thank you for the kindness, the conversations, and for showing me the unwavering community spirit that makes this place so special.
“And finally, to my family – and especially to my twin daughters, Emily and Lucia. You’ve had a busy year as mini-mayoresses, attending events, meeting new people, and even making a few speeches of your own! It’s been a joy to watch you both grow in confidence, and I hope one day you’ll understand just how much of this journey was for you too.
“This may be the end of my time as Mayor, but in many ways this is only the beginning- I will continue to serve the people of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon to build a better, fairer future for all.
“Thank you all for the memories, the love, and the privilege.”
And for Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC), Chairperson Pete Byrne also took the opportunity to reflect and give thanks to those who supported his year in office.
Just as it had been a first in ABC history with Cllr Sarah Duffy’s election to a Mayoral position, SDLP Cllr Pete Byrne made history as the first LGBTQ+ Chair for Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
Entering into the position, the councillor had a clear ambition to become a “champion for inclusion” in the area and in speaking of his year in reflection, the former Chair is proud to have done just that.
Said Cllr Byrne: “It’s been the honour of my life to represent this district as your first citizen. As my term draws to a close and I hand over the chain of office tomorrow (June 1), I look back with a heart full of pride and thanks for the amazing people I have worked with and met over the past 12 months.
“My mission as your Mayor was to promote inclusion and diversity, to carry out my duties with compassion and humility, and to ensure that everyone in our community felt seen, valued, and supported. It was a privilege to shine a light on the incredible work carried out by groups and organisations across our district who do this every single day.
“Inclusion and support begin when we recognise that we all need each other. It takes courage to ask for help—and perhaps even more courage to offer it, day after day. That message shone brightly with every group I met throughout the year, people who volunteer their time to ensure everyone can reach their full potential and has a safe place to grow.
“They have shown me that diversity is not a challenge to overcome — it is a strength to embrace. And inclusion is not a goal to check off—it is a value we must live, every day. And in doing so, we can all play our part and help shape a district where dignity, diversity, and inclusion shine through.
“Thank you to my fellow Councillors for your unwavering support throughout my term and to the council staff and officers for helping me along in this journey.
“To my family and friends, it’s been a blessing to have you by my side at every turn. I hope I done you and our community proud.
“My work continues, after a much needed holiday, and I look forward to continuing to represent the people of South Armagh as your Councillor.”
