Shock death of Strabane SF councillor
By Bernie Mullen
Derry Journal
03 October 2008

A veteran Sinn Fein member of Strabane District Council has died unexpectedly this evening.
Charlie McHugh was one of the longest serving members of the council, having been first elected in 1985.

It is understood Councillor McHugh died at his home in Castlederg.
Former colleagues are currently at his home comforting family members.

Party members in West Tyrone will be devastated at the tragic news, 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.

Councillor McHugh had helped carry the coffin of his late colleague at his funeral. Party colleagues will now be preparing for his funeral.

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.