Taoiseach pays tribute to judge and former Mayo TD on his passing

The death has taken place of District Court Judge Seamus Hughes, Newport Road, Westport, a former Mayo Fianna Fáil TD.

News of his passing, following illness, has evoked an immense sense of loss and shock in the community at large.

He served as a Fianna Fáil TD in the former Mayo West constituency from 1992 to 1997 and was also a member of Mayo County Council and Westport Town Council for many years.

The deceased was State Solicitor for Mayo before being appointed to the bench.

Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has expressed his deep sadness at the news of Mr. Hughes' death.

Born in 1952, Seamus Hughes was the third eldest in a family of 13 and a long-time Fianna Fáil party member.

Mr. Hughes was initially co-opted onto Westport Urban District Council in 1984 before his election to Mayo County Council in 1985.

He was subsequently elected to Dáil Éireann in 1992, representing the Mayo West constituency, and served for five years.

A qualified solicitor, Mr. Hughes was appointed State Solicitor for Mayo in 2000 and then served as a District Court Judge from 2009.

Stated An Taoiseach: "He was a keen athlete, known to run many marathons.

"He ran the Dublin City Marathon in 1984 with his seven brothers, which resulted in their entry in the Guinness Book of Records.

“I am deeply saddened at the passing of Seamus Hughes, someone who served the people of Westport with distinction as a TD and councillor.

“I knew Seamus very well, as a colleague in the Dáil, and later in his time as a District Court Judge.

“He was a very calm, measured and decent individual. A thorough gentleman.

“My deepest sympathies to his wife Maria and children Colin, Emmet, Sarah and Donal.

"Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."

In a tribute, Mayo Fianna Fáil TD Dara Calleary stated: "I have learned with deep sadness of the death of Seamus Hughes.

"Seamus was a proud man and an immense public representative.

"His distinguished service to his community, county and party is one that inspires and is a model for others to follow.

"Seamus was part of a generation of public representatives whose shared vision and ambition for Westport had huge influence on the success of the town today. His political and legal legacy will be felt for many years to come.

“I offer my deepest condolences to the Hughes family, his wife Maria, his daughter Sarah, his sons, Colin, Emmet and Donal, his siblings and his wider family.''

Tributes were also paid to him today at a sitting of Castlebar Circuit Court.

Mr. Vincent Deane, State Solicitor, described the deceased as a very generous man who was devoted to justice and public service.

Judge Brian O'Callaghan said Mr. Hughes was a great community lawyer who served with immense distinction.

"Mayo has lost a particularly strong person who has given great service to Mayo and further afield," he added.

Deepest sympathy is extended to the Hughes family on their loss.

His remains will be reposing at his residence, Newport Road, Westport, on Thursday evening from 5 to 8 p.m.

Requiem Mass takes place on Friday at 3.30 p.m. in St. Mary's Church, Westport, prior to interment in Aughagower Cemetery.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.