Long-serving Fianna Fáil County Monaghan Councillor Séamus Coyle has died.
The local rep who is the current Cathaoirleach of the Ballybay/Clones Municipal District was found unresponsive earlier today.
Northern Sound FM understands that he passed sway at home this afternoon.
The 56-year-old has been a regular poll topper when it came to elections in the Ballybay Clones MD.
Senator Robbie Gallagher paid tribute to Mr Coyle online this evening, “I am deeply saddened to share the news that Cllr Seamus Coyle has passed away.
”Seamus had a distinguished 22 years of service on Monaghan County Council serving since 2004.
“He had two terms as County Monaghan’s First Citizen when he became Cathaiorleach in 2011-12 and 2019-20, and was the current Cathaoirleach of the Ballybay/Clones Municipal District.
“Seamus was a poll topper and a hugely popular figure who had great compassion and empathy for people. He was a great advocate for Monaghan people across so many different disciplines whether it be politics, GAA, Agriculture, Business, Healthcare as well as other things but overall he was a very honourable man who gave great service to the people of Monaghan.
”I would like to extend my sincere sympathy to the entire Coyle family, the community and people of Latton, Seamus’s constituents in the Ballybay/Clones area and County Monaghan overall.”
Cllr Colm Carthy said in a social media post, “My heart goes out to all who knew and loved Councillor Seamus Coyle – I’m devastated to hear that he has passed away at too young an age today.
”Seamus was a formidable politician and someone who gave his all towards all he believed. A man who dedicated his life to politics and to his party, Fianna Fáil; and to his county. May he rest in peace.
“Seamus leaves behind a community blessed with his presence and his dedication and he will be sorely missed.
Thr Latton man was first elected in 2004 and has been elected ever since, topping the poll in 2024 with 1665 first preference votes.
The local councillor was a very popular individual by all that knew him and worked with and the local farmer and councillor will be sorely missed. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam