News

Former Belfast City Council sergeant of mace dies

A FORMER council official who accompanied several lord mayors on ceremonial duties at Belfast City Council has died following an illness.

Dermot Megarry, who was in his late 60s, passed away on Monday.

As a former sergeant of mace he carried out ceremonial duties and official functions and was described as the "right hand man" of the many first citizens he worked with during his time with the council.

Mr Megarry was last night described as a "likeable character" who "made people feel at ease".

He accompanied several lord mayors in the traditional role during the 1980s and early nineties.

Former lord mayor Jim Rogers described Mr Megarry as a hard worker and a "bit of a character".

"His fantastic personality meant that he had a great relationship with all the lord mayors he worked with. He acted as their right-hand man and was totally loyal to whoever he worked with.

"Many lord mayors over the years commented that they could not have done their job without the help of Dermot," the Ulster Unionist councillor said.

"He made people feel at ease. No matter if it was very important guests that the lord mayor was bringing in or just ordinary people, rest assured Dermot would have treated them all so well."

Mr Rogers said his death of the east Belfast man came two weeks after that of his brother, Colin, who died on August 4 and would be a blow to the wider family.

"Sadly his health had deteriorated over recent years and he was unable to attend his brother's funeral last week.

"But Dermot enjoyed life and was such a likeable character."

Mr Megarry's funeral is due to take place at Roselawn Crematorium today at 2.30pm.