In a recent hearing at Swinford Courthouse, the Mayo district coroner, Patrick O’Connor, spoke warmly of Cathy Hughes, a gifted artist from Westport, and a resident of Salthill, Galway. She tragically drowned while swimming at the frequented Old Head beach in Louisburgh. The incident occurred on July 21, with the cause of death cited as asphyxia due to drowning. No further information was made available at this preliminary hearing, with a full inquest scheduled for a later date, once more evidence is accessible.
O’Connor, while extending his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved, acknowledged Hughes as an exceptional lady and an accomplished artist. He expressed his profound sympathy to her son, William, her daughter, Isabelle, her grandchildren, and the extended Hughes family in Westport. He provided some details of the tragic event, noting that Hughes drowned on the day of the All-Ireland hurling final. The exact circumstances of her tragic death remain unclear until further evidence is presented.