Large numbers of sympathisers queued at the offices of Athlone Town Council yesterday to pay tribute to local Fine Gael TD Nicky McFadden who died this week.

The council opened a book of condolence following the death of the 51-year-old Longford-Westmeath TD.

Ms McFadden died on Tuesday after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2012.

The council expressed its sympathy to the mayor of Athlone, Cllr Gabrielle McFadden, the late TD’s sister, and to the McFadden family.

Ms McFadden’s funeral Mass will take place today at midday at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Coosan, followed by burial in Coosan cemetery.

Independent Roscommon-South Leitrim TD Denis Naughten said she would be greatly missed.

“The one thing that was unique about Nicky in Leinster House was that she was universally liked across all sides of the house,” he said.