Tributes have been paid to Sligo county councillor Seamus (Seamie) O’Boyle who has died suddenly after apparently suffering a heart attack while driving in Sligo town on yesterday evening.

The 57-year-old was taken to Sligo Regional Hospital after his van crashed into a house at about 5pm. He died a short time later. Nobody else was injured in the accident.

Mr O’Boyle, a People Before Profit councillor, whose election in 2014 was regarded as one the surprises of the local election in Sligo, lived in the Forthill area for 30 years with his family.

Last week he spoke for many in the community when he expressed shock at the murder of another local resident, Martin (Matt) Kivlehan, whose funeral takes place tomorrow.

Sligo Municipal District Mayor Thomas Healy paid tribute to Mr O’Boyle’s work for the community, especially in the Forthill area.

“He will be sadly missed by his community where he was loved and respected,” said Mr Healy.

Mr O’Boyle was a prominent anti-water charge campaigner in Sligo who was involved in many community groups in the Forthill area.

The Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady, who was a close friend, paid tribute to the late councillor. “He had his roots in one of Sligo’s oldest communities, and he served them with great distinction. He will be sorely missed by his family and many friends.”

Chief Executive of Sligo county council Ciaran Hayes said that from his first day as a Councillor, “Seamie treated everyone – fellow councillors and members of staff – with the utmost courtesy and respect.”

Mr Hayes added: “He is a great loss to this Council, but more importantly, will be missed as a devoted husband and father.’

Mr O’Boyle who served as deputy mayor last year, is survived by his wife Mairead and four grown up children.