Tributes have been paid to former Mayor of Roscommon Charlie Hopkins, who died earlier this week following a short illness.
A county councillor from 1991 to 2009, the late Mr. Hopkins was a hugely respected community figure.
Deputy Frank Feighan said: “It is with great sadness that I learnt of the passing of my former colleague, Charlie Hopkins”.
Deputy Feighan said that Charlie Hopkins was a Fine Gael public representative who was very highly regarded within communities across counties Roscommon, Leitrim and Sligo.
“He was a formidable politician who represented the people of Co. Roscommon with dignity, honesty and integrity.
“A former miner in Argina and a tenacious trade union representative, Charlie served on Roscommon County Council from 1991 until 2009, where I had the pleasure to work alongside him for the betterment of the people of Roscommon”.
Extending his sympathies to Charlie’s wife Joan and family, Deputy Feighan said that Charlie Hopkins was a great colleague and party member and a person who will be truly missed by all who knew him.
Cllr. Liam Callaghan, Leas-Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, also paid tribute to the late Charlie Hopkins.
He said: “Charlie Hopkins was a very distinguished public representative for many years. He served a number of terms on Roscommon County Council, including as Mayor.
“Charlie was a great local representative, a true champion of the people. He will always be remembered for his great work for the Arigna miners and their families. When the Mines closed, Charlie was to the forefront in securing compensation for miners, and later he was very involved in developing the Mining Museum and Miners’ Way & Historical Trail”.
Cllr. Callaghan said that Charlie Hopkins was a great Fine Gael representative who had served the party well.
“He will be greatly missed. On behalf of Fine Gael, I wish to extend sympathy to Joan and family at this very difficult time”.
