Tributes have been paid following the death of long-time Monaghan County Councillor, Hughie McElvaney.
After failing to win a seat in the 1982 general election, the Corcaghan man established himself as a Fine Gael stalwart in Co Monaghan.
He was elected to the local authority on 10 occasions, serving as cathaoirleach of the council four times.
Mr McElvaney stood for Fine Gael at the 1999 Monaghan County Council election, topping the poll in the Clones Electoral Area.
He again topped the poll for Fine Gael at the 2004 local elections, notably finishing ahead of party colleague Heather Humphreys.
The businessman was again elected for Fine Gael in the new Ballybay-Clones Electoral Area at the 2014 local elections.
However, he resigned from the party in 2015 in protest at how it had dealt with the North/South Electricity Interconnector issue in Cavan and Monaghan.
Mr McElvaney successfully ran as an independent candidate in 2019. However, he retired from the role last year prior to the most-recent elections.
In 2020, he was found to have breached ethics legislation by intentionally seeking payment from a company that he believed was going to fund a planning application for a wind farm.
The ruling by the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO) followed an investigation triggered by Mr McElvaney's meetings with an undercover journalist working for RTÉ Investigates.
He passed away peacefully at Cavan General Hospital earlier today.
Rockcorry GAA Club has paid tribute to Mr McElvaney and extended its condolences to his family.
In a post on social media, the club said: Hughie was truly one of a kind, warm-hearted, witty, and endlessly generous with his time and spirit.
"While he was a proud and passionate supporter of his home club, Sean McDermotts, he also held a genuine fondness for our club and always supported us over the years, particularly through sponsorship.
"His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy and kindness will long be remembered with great affection. To his loved ones, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."
Mr McElvaney is survived by his daughter, three sons, and a wider circle of family and friends.
