Death occurs of former Cllr Hughie McElvaney

Tributes have poured in following the death of former Monaghan County Councillor Hughie McElvaney, who passed away peacefully at Cavan General Hospital, surrounded by his family.

A towering figure in Monaghan public and political life going back decades, Mr McElvaney was known for his steadfast dedication to his role as a public representative and his deep affection for his native Corcaghan.

First elected as a Fine Gael councillor, he went on to become an independent representative for the Ballybay-Clones Electoral Area following its creation in 2014.

A formidable presence, Mr McElvaney was elected to Monaghan County Council on nine occasions and served as Cathaoirleach four times.

He also stood as a Fine Gael candidate in the 1982 General Election for the Cavan-Monaghan constituency.

Mr McElvaney notably topped the poll in the 1999 and 2004 local elections.

He resigned from Fine Gael over concerns about the party’s handling of the North/South Electricity Interconnector issue, and continued to serve as an independent thereafter.

He chose not to run in the 2024 local elections, marking the end of a long and influential political journey, which was also not shy of colour and controversy.

In May 1996, Mr McElvaney was cautioned by Boston airport police after allegedly being disruptive and abusive on an Aer Lingus flight. He later apologised.

Then in 2015, Mr McElvaney was secretly filmed during an RTÉ sting. A subsequent 2020 SIPO report found he had breached ethics laws by promoting private business interests as a councillor.

In 2018, Revenue also listed him as a tax defaulter for under-declaring over €48,000 in taxes.

His business interests relate to domestic and commercial waste collection services.

Mr McElvaney is predeceased by his parents Hugh and Lilian and sisters Mary, Margaret, and Rose. He is survived by his children Fionnuala, Emmet, Stephen, and Conor; grandchildren; siblings P.J. and Bridie; extended family, and a wide network of friends and former colleagues.

Reposing at his home on October 2-3, his funeral will take place at St Michael’s Church, Corcaghan, on Saturday, October 4 at 11am, with burial after in the adjoining cemetery.

His family has requested privacy outside reposing hours, and have asked for donations, in lieu of flowers to Cuan Mhuire in Ballybay.