Councillor McHugh died suddenly in tragic circumstances at his home in Castlederg on Friday evening - the day after his 60th birthday.

He was one of the longest serving members on Strabane District Council, having been first elected in 1985.

Party members in West Tyrone are devastated at Councillor McHugh's unexpected death, coming so soon after the loss of another veteran councillor, Ivan Barr, some months ago following a short illness.

Councillors McHugh and Barr were the first Sinn Fein members to take seats on Strabane Council and worked closely together. Both had also served as council chairmen and vice-chairmen.

Councillor McHugh had helped carry the coffin of his late colleague at his funeral in May. Stunned party colleagues are now preparing for the Castlederg councillor's funeral which will take place in the town's St Patrick's Church on Tuesday at 11am.

His remains returned to his home at Hillview Park in Castlederg on Sunday evening, following a post-mortem. It is understood his family had been planning a 60th birthday party for him on the night of his death. His body was found at his home by a family member.

Councillor McHugh had just spoken to the 'Derry Journal' on Wednesday, issuing a statement condemning an attack on an ambulance worker in Castlederg by drunk youths last weekend.

He was consistently re-elected over the past 23 years to serve the Derg ward on Strabane District Council.

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'Unbearable loss' - says West Tyrone MP

West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty says Councillor McHugh's sudden death has "left everyone numb with shock and sorrow."

Mr Doherty said he had attended three meetings with Councillor McHugh the day before he died.

He said: "In a personal capacity and on behalf of Sinn Fein, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to Charlie's wife Sylvia, son Ruairi, daughters Sara and Seodhna, mother Minnie, brothers Hilary, Maoliosa and John, sisters Veronica and Mary, grandchildren and wider family circle at this time of unbearable loss. You are all in our prayers and thoughts at this time."

Paying tribute to the Castlederg republican, Mr Doherty continued:
"Charlie was a man of deep integrity and commitment. His exceptional qualities came to the fore in every aspect of his life: in his role as a loving family man; in his role as a tenacious elected representative of the people of the Derg and Strabane District; and in his lifelong role in, and massive contribution to, the republican struggle.

"Charlie was first elected by the people of the Derg Electoral Area of Strabane District Council in 1985 and duly returned at each subsequent local election. He was elected Chairperson of Strabane District Council in 2000-2001.

"Charlie was held in the highest of esteem and respect. He was a household name amongst republicans both near and afar. He will be sorely missed."

"The community is numb with shock and sorrow and everyone will rally around in the days ahead to try and comfort and support the family."


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'Guiding light' - Council chairman

Tributes were also paid by the Chairman of Strabane District Council, Sinn Fein party colleague Councillor Jarlath McNulty.

"Charlie was one of life's true gentlemen which endeared him to friend and foe alike. Highly intelligent as well as being acutely street wise, Charlie was often the first person people turned to when seeking advice or help. He was a guiding light for so many people within Council, within the community and within Sinn Fein.

"His contribution to all has been immense and his loss immeasurable. Ar Dheis De go raibh a anam uasal," he added.