Ballymena mourns loss of respected former Mayor PJ McAvoy

Tributes have been paid following the passing of former Ballymena Mayor and long-serving councillor PJ McAvoy, a respected public figure who dedicated three decades to serving the people of the town.

Mr McAvoy, who sadly passed away on Thursday 19 February, was widely recognised for his commitment to public life and his efforts to foster cooperation and mutual respect within local government.

Three decades of public service

The former SDLP councillor was first elected to Ballymena Borough Council in 1985 and served continuously until March 2015, when the authority was wound down ahead of its amalgamation into Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

Across those 30 years, Mr McAvoy became a familiar and respected figure in civic life, known for serving “one and all equally with understanding and respect”.

In 2012, he was elected as the first ever nationalist Mayor of Ballymena Borough Council — a development regarded at the time as historic for the town and reflective of the cross-party relationships that existed within the chamber.

Speaking following his election, Mr McAvoy said he was “humbled” and described the moment as deeply significant.

“I’ve been in council now for 27 years, I have served four terms as deputy mayor, but this tonight is the big bonus”.

He added: “I must say it’s very good, the way the DUP is 50% of this council, but yet they saw fit to give me this honour tonight, so that in itself says a lot.”

During his term of office, he pledged to focus on improving conditions for traders, supporting people in deprived areas and ensuring that Ballymena’s growing ethnic minority population felt represented — priorities that reflected both his civic vision and his personal convictions.

Reflecting on his mayoral year

Having previously served four terms as deputy mayor, Mr McAvoy later reflected on his time in office as a defining period of his public career.

Upon retiring from local council politics, he said:

“It has been an honour to have served the people of Ballymena and the SDLP for all of these years. It was the high point to be elected unanimously as the first SDLP Mayor of Ballymena and undoubtedly the high point of that year was the award of the Freedom of the Borough to Liam Neeson.

“I greatly enjoyed my year as Mayor and am pleased that I was recognised as doing the job on behalf of all the people of Ballymena.”

His remarks captured the sense of pride he took in representing the entire community during a significant chapter in the town’s civic history.

Championing local enterprise

In more recent years, Mr McAvoy remained actively involved in supporting Ballymena’s economic development. He was instrumental in the founding of Ballymena Business Centre, established to assist local, start-up and small business enterprises.

In 2025, the organisation’s AGM marked a notable milestone, recognising the outstanding contribution of its Founding Director and Company Chairperson.

“His commitment since 1990 has played a pivotal role in establishing Ballymena Business Centre as one of Northern Ireland’s leading Local Enterprise Agencies.

“Best wishes were extended by Company Directors and Executive Team to PJ McAvoy who was appointed as Honorary Chairperson of the organisation.”

The acknowledgement reflected a sustained legacy beyond council chambers — one rooted in strengthening opportunity and enterprise within the local community.

Funeral arrangements

A funeral notice from James Henry Funeral Services states:

McAvoy, Patrick Joseph (P.J.), peacefully on 19th February 2026 at Slemish Nursing Home, formerly of Tardree Grove, Ballymena. Beloved son of the late Thomas and Annie, loving brother of Colette, Martin, Tony, Marie, and the late Terence and Anne; brother-in-law of Jim (Craig), Don (Phillips), Liz, and the late Brian (Anderson); devoted uncle.

His remains will be removed from Henry’s Funeral Parlour, 100 Broughshane Street, Ballymena BT43 6EE, on Monday 23rd February at 9.30am to All Saints Church for funeral service after 10am Requiem Mass, followed by interment at Ballymena Cemetery.

Family and friends are welcome at Henry’s Funeral Parlour on Saturday 21st February from 4pm to 6pm to pay their respects.

Donations in lieu of flowers, if desired, may be made online via jameshenryfunerals.co.uk or sent to James Henry Funeral Services for St Vincent de Paul.

Always loved and remembered by his family and family circle.

“St Anthony pray for him”

Mr McAvoy’s passing marks the end of a significant chapter in Ballymena’s civic life. For many across the town and beyond, he will be remembered not only for historic milestones, but for a lifetime of steady public service, quiet determination and a commitment to working for the good of all.