Northern Ireland

Tributes after death of ex-SDLP councillor Bobby Loughran

Bobby Loughran, centre, with SDLP councillors' Roisin Lynch and Noreen McClelland
Bobby Loughran, centre, with SDLP councillors' Roisin Lynch and Noreen McClelland Bobby Loughran, centre, with SDLP councillors' Roisin Lynch and Noreen McClelland

TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of former Antrim mayor and ex-SDLP councillor Bobby Loughran.

Mr Loughran, from Randalstown, who retired from his council role in 2013, died on Tuesday.

SDLP councillor Noreen McClelland described him as an "inspiration to the party group, his fellow councillors and the whole community".

"Anyone who ever met Bobby was left in no doubt of his sincerity and humbleness. A giant of a man in every sense of the word," she said.

The UUP's Paul Michael, mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey council, described him as "one of life's true gentlemen".

DUP South Antrim MLA Pam Cameron said Mr Loughran was an "absolute gentleman and a pleasure to work alongside in council".

Mr Loughran's Requiem Mass will be held tomorrow at noon at St MacNissi's Church, with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.