Cathy (Cathriona Cecilia) Hughes of Boathaven, Dun Na Carraige, Salthill, Galway and a native of Westport, Co Mayo died following a drowning incident at Old Head Beach in Louisburgh on Sunday, July 21, 2024.
The alarm was raised some time after 4pm on Sunday and it is believed that Ms Hughes had been swimming at the time.
Members of the Order of Malta from Louisburgh and Westport along with members of the local coastguard assisted at the scene, with the National Ambulance Service also attending.
Ms Hughes was a mother of two and a talented artist.
She grew up in Westport and was born into a family of 13 children but later moved to Salthill in Galway.
The Hughes family is well known businesses owners in Co Mayo.
Ms Hughes had been immersed in Irish arts and crafts since she was a child.
An early influence was her mother, Maura Kelly, a cousin of the famous Oscar winning actress Grace Kelly, who specialised in Irish antiques and began the Irish craft and knitwear business Carraig Donn Industries in Westport.
While studying at University College Dublin, Ms Hughes spent her summers working in the family craft shop on Inis Mór.
Her recent work has tended more towards abstract painting, utilising mixed media to communicate vibrant, colourful shades of Ireland’s rich heritage.
Cathy Hughes was a talented artist.
She had used the Aran Wool from her family’s Knitwear business called Aran Woolen Mills in Westport, Co. Mayo. Sand from the beaches of Mayo, shells, nets and twine from the fishing villages, antique Irish maps and old stamps are other various mediums she has featured in her art.
Over the years, she regularly attended the Burren College of Art and was a member of a prominent local art club in Galway city.
Galway Galway Hooker Brewery extended their sympathies to Ms Hughes family and friends.
A heartfelt tribute online said Ms Hughes’ “creativity and vibrant spirit left an indelible mark on all of us.”
“We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our friend Cathy Hughes.
“On behalf of everyone at Galway Hooker, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends, during this incredibly difficult time.
“Cathy was more than just a talented artist, she was a force, and a passionate collaborator.
“Our partnership with her on our Galway Hooker X Cathy Hughes Seasonal Range was a privilege and a deeply enriching experience for all of us.
“Cathy’s artistic legacy will continue to inspire and influence the arts community for years to come.
“We are grateful for the time we had to work with her and for the beautiful contributions she made to our shared project.
“Her memory will live on through her art and the many lives she touched.
“Galway Hooker Secret Session will be closed until Wednesday, July 24 at 3.30pm.”
Her funeral details have not yet been announced.
Ms Hughes is survived by her children William and Isabelle Greene, daughter-in-law Anne Carey, son-in-law Seán Treacy, grandchildren Pierce, Abby, Honora and Imogen, her sisters Anne (Joe) McGovern, Marion Hughes, Orla (Eamonn) O’Carroll and Eleanor (Kevin) Moran; brothers Cathal, Patrick (Olive), Harry, Owen (Karen), Richard (Jean), Vincent and Declan (Catherine) Hughes; sister-in-law Maria Hughes; Ronnie Greene as well as all the wider Hughes, Kelly and Greene families, and her many friends.
Predeceased by her parents Máire (née Kelly) and Pádraig Hughes, daughter Máire Cristín Greene, brother Seamus Hughes, nephew Pádraig Hughes, sisters-in-law Deirdre Hughes (née Greene) and Kim Hughes (née Ryan) and brothers-in-law Stephen Cassidy and Johnny Gorman.
