Councillor Mary O’Dowd has been formally installed as the new Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council following its Annual Meeting on Monday 1 June 2026.
Elected to represent the Lurgan District Electoral Area in May 2023, Councillor O’Dowd described her appointment as “an incredible honour” and thanked her Sinn Féin colleagues for entrusting her with the highest civic office so early in her political career.
In her inaugural address, she set out her ambition to lead an inclusive and successful council that puts every citizen at its heart and champions fairness, opportunity, and progress for all.
“For me, the prestigious role of First Citizen is about representing and delivering for every community across our borough, no matter their background. I want people to feel that their voices matter, that they are listened to, and that this council is delivering in their best interests every day,” she said.
Councillor O’Dowd also paid tribute to her family, acknowledging their unwavering support throughout her journey into local politics and the vital role they continue to play as she embarks on a busy and productive year ahead.
She continued: “Public service is never undertaken alone. It is only possible with the support and encouragement of those around you. I would like to thank my husband and our three children for their constant support and belief in me.”
Although she has long been interested in politics, Councillor O’Dowd explained that it was only when her children were older that she felt ready to step into public life.
“I have always had a strong interest in politics, but it wasn’t until my children were a little older that I felt the time was right to become actively involved,” she said.
Speaking warmly about her local community, she said: “I am proud to call Lurgan my home and it is a real privilege to give back to the community I am a part of.”
She has already gained considerable experience in local government, having served on key committees including Governance, Resources and Strategy and Environmental Services. She has also held the role of Vice-Chair of the Planning and Regulatory Services Committee and represents the council on the Northern Ireland Housing Council.
“These roles have been instrumental in developing my experience and strengthening my commitment to delivering real outcomes for communities across our borough,” she said.
Looking ahead to her term in office, she said: “I have chosen to support two charities during my term as Lord Mayor as they reflect both the needs of our wider community and a cause close to my own heart.
“I am passionate about supporting PIPS Hope and Support, helping to encourage open conversations, reduce stigma and ensure people feel supported and able to seek help when they need it.
“I have also chosen to support Parkinson’s UK, which is deeply personal to me as my mum lives with the condition, strengthening my commitment to raising awareness, understanding and support for those affected.”
DUP Councillor Lavelle McIlwrath has been appointed Deputy Lord Mayor for the incoming year.
Elected to represent the Portadown District Electoral Area in 2019, Councillor McIlwrath previously served on Armagh City and District Council, having been co-opted in December 2013, a role he held until June 2015.
Alongside his council duties, he works part-time as a Political Assistant to MLAs Gareth Wilson and Jonathan Buckley. Prior to entering politics, he served in the police service for more than 30 years before retiring in May 2013.
A strong advocate for community development, Councillor McIlwrath has an impressive record of delivering projects including new play parks, enhanced sports facilities and helping to secure funding support for local organisations.
He currently serves as the council’s Veterans Champion (2023–2027) and remains actively involved in supporting vulnerable individuals. He is Treasurer of Newry and Armagh Caring for Victims (NACV) and, in 2023, helped secure Bingham House and its memorial garden as a dedicated hub for veterans and victims.
His wider community involvement includes roles as an Elder and Clerk of Session at Tandragee Free Presbyterian Church, a member of the Board of Governors at Tandragee Junior High School, and a Director of Edenvilla Ltd.
Over the past six years, he has raised more than £15,000 for local charities through an annual Christmas sit-out in Portadown. During his term, he will raise funds for the Lynsey Courtney Foundation – a charity established to support research at Queen’s University Belfast aimed at reducing the number of women diagnosed with cervical cancer in Northern Ireland.
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