The late Tom Canavan Friends and colleagues of the late Tom Canavan - a former councillor and mayor of Armagh - have been deeply saddened by his death, following an illness. He was aged 74. A farmer for Old Road in Poyntzpass, he served four terms on Armagh Council. An SDLP representative, he was much liked by all in the council chamber and was renowned for his generosity, fair-mindedness and dedication above and beyond the call of duty. Tom Canavan represented all of the people all of the time during his years in the chamber and always put then interests of constituents first. He had been the SDLP's sole representative in the Cusher Ward and, among other things, he tirelessly campaigned for industrial development in Poyntzpass, Clady and other villages, as well as for the upgrading of local infrastructure. Tom's popularity was such that he was always elected at the first count when standing for local government. He served with distinction as deputy mayor of Armagh City and District during 1998/1999 and, the following year as mayor. Over his years on council, the SDLP stalwart served on all the major committees, including vice chairman of leisure and tourism, as well as policy and resources and best value. He had also served as vice chairman of his local SDLP branch. In addition, he was a member of the Tandragee Development Initiative, Poyntzpass Regeneration Partnership and Canal Corridor. When Councillor Canavan decided to stand down at the last local government elections - in May of last year - Sharon Haughey emerged as his replacement at the polls. She successfully took the SDLP's safe seat in Cusher and has always been quick to pay tribute to the work of her predecessor across the area. "Throughout his life Tom gave so much of himself both in terms of time and workload, all to help local people," she said. Tom was also noted for his great love for sport and gaelic football in particular. He was a former playing member of Carrickcruppen GFC and Redmond O'Hanlon GFC, Poyntzpass, a fearless defender whose career was laced with success. His son Declan also played for Carrickcruppen and Armagh County and his nephew Brian Canavan is an ex-county player and former Armagh senior team manager. Predeceased by his loving wife Roisin (nee O'Hanlon, Camlough), he is survived by his sons, Declan, Cathal and Michael, brothers Desmond, Vincent and Pat, daughters-in-law, Frances, Marion and Irene, grandchildren Michael, Jack, Ben, Olivia and Adam, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces and large family circle. The funeral took place on Sunday, 11th June, 2006, from his late residence to St Joseph's Church, Poyntzpass where Requiem Mass was celebrated. Internment followed in the adjoining cemetery. Amongst the large and representative attendance were former colleagues on Armagh Council and party representatives from across Northern Ireland, including former Newry and Armagh MP Seamus Mallon, a lifelong friend of the deceased. Tom Canavan will be remembered by many people for many things. He was a man of exceptionally high principles and his integrity and honesty was exercised none more so than in his role as a public representative, a role which he enjoyed for many years and excelled in. Courtesy of The Armagh Observer 22 June 2006 Tweet

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