Communities in Galway and Mayo have paid tribute to talented artist Cathy Hughes, who passed away following a tragic incident at Old Head Beach, near Louisburgh, Co Mayo on Sunday, July 21.
Described as a ‘shining light’ who will be sorely missed by those who knew her, Ms Hughes was a native of Westport but had spent a number of years living and working in Salthill. A member of the entrepreneurial Hughes family from Westport, famous for being the founders of outdoor wear firm Portwest and Irish craft and knitwear business, Carraig Donn. Through her mother, the late Maura Kelly, Ms Hughes was related to Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco.
Ms Hughes’ art is featured in a number of private collections, namely that of her distant cousin Prince Albert of Monaco.
A regular visitor to Louisburgh and Wesport, while out for an afternoon swim at Old Head Beach on Sunday, July 21, it is believed that Ms Hughes got into difficulty while in the water. Paramedics, Order of Malta members from the Louisburgh and Wesport branches and local guards attended the scene, but despite efforts to save her life, Ms Hughes was pronounced dead.
An artist who saw the world with beauty
Devoted to arts and crafts from an early age, Ms Hughes drew inspiration for her artwork from the landscapes, sea and Celtic mythology in the west, namely Inis Mór, Westport and Old Head. Known ‘far and wide for the depth and the quality of her work’, Ms Hughes’ work frequently appeared in Kenny’s Gallery. Earlier this year Ms Hughes entered into a collaboration with the Galway Hooker Brewery, creating a range of artwork which features on all of Galway Hooker’s 2024 seasonal brews.
Paying tribute to Ms Hughes following the news of her death, the Galway Hooker Brewery described Ms Hughes as ‘more than just a talented artist, she was a force and a passionate collaborator’.
“Her creativity and vibrant spirit left an indelible mark on all of us. Cathy’s artistic legacy will continue to inspire and influence the arts community for years to come.”
Funeral details
Ms Hughes is predeceased by her daughter, Maire Cristín Greene, who died in 2014. Ms Hughes will be dearly missed by her children William and Isabelle Greene, daughter-in-law Anne Carey, son-in-law Seán Treacy, grandchildren Pierce, Abby, Honora and Imogen, her brothers and sisters, cousins, extended family, friends and neighbours.
Requiem Mass will take place today (Thursday, July 25 ), at Church of Christ the King, Salthill at 2pm. A live stream for the Requiem Mass can be viewed online at salthillparish.ie
