Chairman Jarlath McNulty said his late colleague had been a “guiding light for so many” and his loss was “immeasurable.”

He said: "Firstly, Council would like to extend 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 terribly difficult time.”

The Council had been “numbed by the loss of another of our long-standing Councillors,” he said.

“Charlie served on Strabane District Council for 23 years and we have benefited greatly from his vast experience and knowledge of local government. He 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.”

Philip Faithful, Council Chief Executive, said Councillor McHugh was a “highly respected and hard working councillor who was a very strong advocate for his local community. He was always available to attend meetings and his attendance record was exceptional on all the committees that he served.

“Charlie served with distinction and was Council Chairman in 2000-2001. He was a man that I could always talk to, to gauge political opinion on any potentially contentious issue and he would always give me his honest opinion. He will be sorely missed by the local community,” he said.