A talented artist and mother of two, Cathy Hughes, tragically drowned while swimming at Old Head beach in Louisburgh, Co Mayo, on July 21st. An inquest into her death opened on Monday at Swinford Courthouse, where the coroner, Patrick O'Connor, paid tribute to the "lovely lady and wonderful artist."
During a brief hearing, the medical cause of Ms Hughes' death was officially recorded as asphyxia due to drowning. The substantive inquest hearing was adjourned to a later date to allow for the collection of further evidence.
Coroner O'Connor expressed his sincere condolences to Ms Hughes' family, including her son William, daughter Isabelle, grandchildren, and the Hughes family in Westport. He highlighted the loss of "a lovely lady and a talented artist," noting that the day of her death coincided with the All-Ireland hurling final. "On that day, Cathy went for a swim," he stated. "Whatever happened, she died from asphyxia due to drowning."
The inquest will reconvene at a later date to examine the circumstances surrounding Ms Hughes' death, providing further clarity on the tragic events that unfolded at the popular Co Mayo beach.