THE funeral will take place today (Thursday) at St Patrick's, Aghyaran of local man Noel McHugh who died following an accident involving a gas cylinder.

Mr McHugh (60), originally from Corgary Road, Aghyaran died at St James's Hospital in Dublin on Saturday of last week three days after he was injured in an accident in Co Sligo. It is believed that Mr McHugh suffered severe injuries when a gas cylinder exploded beside him as he worked as a road white line marker. He was initially taken to Sligo General Hospital but was later transferred to Dublin.

A supporter of his local GAA club, Noel McHugh's death shocked and saddened the local community.

"I knew him well," began Chairman of Aghyaran St Davogs GAC, Patrick McSorley. "He was a quiet and unassuming man and nothing was ever too much bother for him.

"He did all the videoing for Aghyaran – home and away matches – and as I say, nothing was too much trouble. He would have done anything for you.

"He will be a big loss for this club and community as well as his family. Noel's brother John passed away last year from cancer and Noel was like a father figure to his brother's children."

Local priest Fr John Gilmore said that the McHugh family were highly respected in the area.

"While he never made the headlines, he did a lot of work and a lot of good," said Fr Gilmore.