The death has taken place of Strathfoyle stalwart Gus Hastings

There was a palpable sense of shock across the north west this morning (Tuesday) as the community learned of the death of Strathfoyle icon, Gus (Hugh A) Hastings.

“Mr Hastings died on July 13, 2026, peacefully at Altnagelvin Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

“He was the beloved husband of Bridie, Clonmeen Drive, Strathfoyle, loving father of Tracey and Claire, father-in-law of Edwin and Mark, devoted grandfather of Amber, Nathan, Ellis, Harry and Bobby, great-grandfather of Conan, Freddie, Sonny and Ailbhe and dear brother of Angela, Gabriel, Joy, Kathleen and the late Elsa and Thomas.

“Mr Hastings will be reposing in his daughter's home, 98 Butler's Wharf, on Tuesday from 6.00pm to 10.00pm and on Wednesday from 12.00pm to 10.00pm.

“His funeral possession will leave from his home, 17 Clonmeen Drive, on Thursday at 10.30am for 11 o'clock Requiem Mass in St Oliver Plunkett's Church, Strathfoyle.

“Interment afterwards in Ballyoan cemetery.Family Flowers only please. Donations if wished to Foyle Search and Rescue, 20 Victoria Road, BT47 2AB.

“Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on his soul.”

Speaking to The Derry News, Derry City and Strabane District councillor Declan Norris (SDLP) who grew up in Strathfoyle, said he was “deeply saddened” by Mr Hastings’ passing.

“Gus wasn’t just a former councillor, a respected community leader or a youth worker, he was a mentor and a dear friend,” added Cllr Norris.

“We spoke nearly every day, and his knowledge, wisdom and understanding of our community was second to none.

“His love for Strathfoyle, the SDLP and, above all, his family was woven into the very fabric of the community he served so faithfully.

“As a youth worker, he guided and inspired generations of young people, always offering encouragement, humour and sound advice. His wit, kindness and unwavering commitment to helping others left a lasting impact on so many lives.

“Strathfoyle has lost one of its finest champions. I have lost a trusted mentor and friend, and he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family, friends and everyone whose life he touched. May he rest in peace,” said Cllr Norris.

A co-founding member of Strathfoyle Community Association, Mr Hastings was a member the organisation for 54 years.

Posting a social media tribute, Strathfoyle Community Association said: It is with shattered hearts that we share the sad news of the passing of Hugh A Hastings (Gus).

“Gus was a founding member of Strathfoyle Community Association and has been involved in every aspect over the past 54 years.

“There are very few people across the city of Derry that have not had the pleasure of meeting Gus or been impacted by him and his work in some way.

“Gus’ values were centred around his amazing family and the community of Strathfoyle.

“A real character with a big heart and he made time for everyone.

“The loss we feel now and will feel in the future is immeasurable and Strathfoyle will never be the same.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Gus’ loved ones and extended family and we will rally behind them to offer any support that is needed.

“A huge void has now been left in this community!

“We love you more than you know Gus.

“Michelle, Rachel, Paddy and Jeff.”

Enagh Youth Forum in Strathfoyle described knowing Mr Hastings as a “privilege”.

“It is so sad to hear of the passing of Gus,” added the group.

“It was a privilege to have known him and to witness the incredible dedication he gave to Strathfoyle. People like Gus are the foundation of a community. He led by example, always had time for others, and quietly made a difference to countless lives.

“All of us at Enagh Youth Forum are proud to have worked alongside Gus and others in the local community and we know just how much time and commitment Gus put in to making sure the local area wasn’t left behind.

“Gus always stood up for Strathfoyle and fought for improved services for local people and our rural community. Gus gave all of that and more! His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

“Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everyone at Strathfoyle Community Association.

“Rest easy, Gus. Thank you for everything. You will never be forgotten,” said Enagh Youth Forum.

Tony Healy said: Sorry to hear this sad news today. I remember Gus and his good friend John Doherty way back with Enagh rovers FC. His great work over many years made Strathfoyle a very welcoming place for all and the great community strathfoyle is today. Thank you Gus and may you rest in peace.”

Adding to the many tributes paid to Mr Hastings, Strathfoyle Women’s Activity Group said it was “saddened to hear of the passing of Gus”.

“Gus was someone who was always there for Strathfoyle. He gave his time generously, without looking for recognition, and was always happiest when he was doing something to benefit the community he cared so much about.

“He had a genuine love for Strathfoyle and its people. He never stopped pushing for better for our community, always making sure Strathfoyle was not forgotten or left behind. He was a strong advocate for our youth and young people, always wanting the very best for the next generation.

“Gus was a larger-than-life presence at any meeting and always made sure the voice of Strathfoyle was heard. His dedication, passion and commitment to our community will be remembered for a long time.

“Our wee community is a better place because Gus was part of it, and we are grateful to have known him.

“Everyone at Strathfoyle Women's Activity Group sends our sincere condolences to Gus’s family, his friends and everyone at Strathfoyle Community Association. May he rest in peace,” said Strathfoyle Women’s Activity Group.

Expressing his sadness at the death of Mr Hastings, Foyle MP Colum Eastwood said he would be remembered as a “champion for the people of Derry”.

Mr Hastings was first elected to Derry City Council in 2011, representing the Rural DEA, before serving on Derry City and Strabane District Council as a councillor for the Faughan DEA from 2014 until 2019.

Colum Eastwood MP added: "I was deeply saddened to hear of Gus's passing. He gave many years of his life to serving others and cared deeply about the communities he represented.

"Gus was immensely proud of Strathfoyle and worked tirelessly for the people who lived there and across the wider rural area. If someone needed help, they knew they could lift the phone to Gus, and he'd do everything he could for them. That's the reputation he built over many years, and one that stayed with him throughout his time in public life."

“Gus was also a longstanding and committed member of the SDLP. He cared deeply about our party and was always generous with his time and experience. His friendship and support meant a great deal to all of us who had the privilege of working alongside him, and he will be greatly missed.

"My thoughts are with Bridie, his daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the entire Hastings family, along with the many people who are mourning Gus's loss. I hope they can take some comfort from the great respect and affection in which he was held.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam,” said Mr Eastwood.

SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said he was “heartbroken at the passing of a hero who played a huge role in my life and in so many lives in a lifetime of public service”.

Mr Durkan added: “Gus Hastings was some man for one man.

“Gus was a magnificent champion not only for his beloved Strathfoyle but for social justice everywhere.

“Gus was 'old school' in plenty of ways but was ahead of his time in his approach to many issues and in challenging negative attitudes. He was particularly passionate about opportunities for young people and the eradication of the scourge of sectarianism from our society.

“He was full of commitment, compassion and courage and ,on top of that, he was quare craic too!

“For me, he was the embodiment of SDLP values and didn't just talk the talk, he walked the walk and then some. I feel so privileged to have fought so many campaigns alongside him - putting up posters is a particularly precious memory; the scrapes we got into and laughs we had.

“Gus' deteriorating health did nothing to dampen his interest or enthusiasm to share his opinions and ideas and I will hugely miss our long phone conversations on my way home from Belfast. Up until a couple of weeks ago, he was still ringing up for a yarn - he'd regale me with stories of old , we'd laugh, we'd argue. Gus wasn't always right but he was capable of understanding, accepting and eventually embracing arguments that were well intentioned and well made.

“Gus will be sadly missed by many but nobody more than the family that he completely adored - our thoughts and prayers are with Bridie, the girls,his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

“Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

“Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís,” said Mr Durkan.

Strathfoyle Sinn Féin councillor Alex Duffy said there were “heavy hearts in Strathfoyle today with the passing of Gus”.

“Gus dedicated his life to his community and its people, and he was respected throughout the city and beyond,” added Cllr Duffy.

“He was my friend and mentor, and I’ll miss his rants and storytelling.

“By God, he had so many stories, a wealth of knowledge. I could have sat for hours listening to him; you really had no choice! Lol.

“Rest in peace, Gussy. We will not see the likes of you again.

“My thoughts and prayers are with Bridie, the girls, and the wider family circle as they mourn this giant of a man a true legend.”