“She left Armagh in a better place than she found it,” those were among the final words in tribute to the life of former Armagh City Lord Mayor and long-time public servant, Sylvia McRoberts MBE in Council chambers last night (Monday).
The tribute was paid by SDLP Cllr Thomas O’Hanlon who had the “privilege” of serving with Sylvia for ten years.
Members listened carefully to the Cllr’s words, nodding in agreement with almost every spoken sentence.
Sylvia passed away on Thursday, July 16 at Sunnymead Nursing Home – aged 88.
In recognition of her years of unwavering service, Cllr O’Hanlon said: “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 ten years.”
Of her demeanour, he said: “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 the 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.”
In regards to the time in which she served and the significance of her leadership set amid a tense political landscape, Cllr O’Hanlon said: “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 and Pat Brannigan and Jim Speers, she helped lay the foundations for a peace and shared community we continue to build today.
“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.”
The Cllr spoke of the gratitude of Sylvia’s family for the many tributes paid to her life from “across the political spectrum, from every part of our community in Armagh and from further afield”.
On behalf of his party, the Cllr said he hoped they take comfort in knowing that Sylvia “made a real and lasting difference to so many people”.
“Sylvia leaves behind a legacy of service, decency and friendship. She has truly left Armagh in a better place than she found it and there can be no finer tribute than that,” he concluded.
Chairing the meeting, Lord Mayor Mary O’Dowd thanked Cllr O’Hanlon for his touching words, adding: “I think when someone passes, it doesn’t matter what role they had, you have to think of the family they have left behind.
“Our condolences do go to Sylvia’s family.”
For the DUP, Cllr Scott Armstrong added to the condolences expressed, calling Sylvia a “stalwart” and “huge champion for Armagh city”.
Alderman Gordon Kennedy (UUP) told members that he too had the “privilege” of serving on the “old Armagh Council”, albeit, only for a short term with Sylvia who he regarded as an “outstanding public servant who really had Armagh at heart”.
Alderman Kennedy acknowledged in particular, her connection to Armagh Rural Transport – of which she was one of the founder members.
He recalled her attendance at the 25th anniversary event in the Palace Stables. While attending in a wheelchair, the Alderman said she was still “so very glad her legacy was behind it”.
Cllr Ratcliffe of the TUV concured with all comments, calling Sylvia an “excellent councillor for Armagh who was very well thought of and respected”.
Finally, Cllr Lavery for the Alliance party, said that while he didn’t know Sylvia personally he and his party recognise her “very strong reputation” in the Armagh area and also pass on their sympathies to her family.
