A COUNCILLOR has paid to renowned country singer Derrick Mehaffey at a recent meeting of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

Mr. Mehaffey, a Fintona native, made his name in the Irish showband scene of the 1960s and at a time was dubbed Ireland’s Cliff Richard.

The talented keyboard player was lead singer for the band Derrick and the Sounds, a band Mr. Mehaffey originally formed with school friends from Omagh Academy.

At Tuesday's meeting at the Townhall, Sinn Féin Councillor Stephen McCann proposed that a letter of condolence is send to the late Mr. Mehaffey's wife, Shirley, and the wider family circle.

"I want to pay tribute to the late Derrick Mehaffey from Fintona", Councillor McCann said.

"Derrick passed away last month at the age of 78; he was a proud son of Fintona, and will be remembered across Ireland, and indeed, across the globe.

"Derrick was a well-known singer, and he played dance halls across Ireland, Europe and the USA. In 1999 he received male vocalist of the year, and many other accolades."

Councillor McCann continued: "It's fitting that we mention him tonight during our first Council meeting back in the chamber, and express our sympathy with his wife, Shirley, and the family.

"He was a proud Fintona man, and Fintona was very proud of him, as indeed was West Tyrone and farther afield."