Death of widely respected Mayo chef Joe McHugh

The death of Joe McHugh, Kinturk, Ballyheane, Castlebar, and formerly of Main Street, Louisburgh, is widely mourned.

Joe passed peacefully yesterday after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family, at Mayo Hospice in Castlebar.

Joe was well known in the catering industry, having worked as a chef in many establishments including Ashford Castle and the Castlecourt Hotel and also in Harpoon Louie’s, Florida USA.

He was involved in training and was an auditor with the Food Safety Professionals Association.

Joe was the managing director of the well known company Food Flow Advisors.

He was chairman of the Chefs of Mayo and was involved in fundraising for many different charities, including the Mayo Roscommon Hospice.

Joe was a great community man. He took part in the restoration of the Old Cemetery in Ballyheane and he participated in the weekly bingo sessions in Ballyheane.

Joe took great pride in his village but he never lost the love for his native Louisburgh, which he often visited.

One of his great interests was photography and he enjoyed travelling with his beloved Judy.

Youngest son of the late Dr. Columb McHugh and Frances McHugh (née Bourke) Louisburgh, Joe will be sadly missed and forever loved by his heartbroken wife Judy (née O’Brien), his brother Dr. Pat (Leeds), sister Columba and her partner Phil (UK), mother-in-law Augusta O’Brien, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, all the family circle, work colleagues, neighbours and many many friends, to whom sympathy is extended.

Joe will repose in Ballyheane Community Centre, Ballyheane, Castlebar, on Friday from 5 p.m. with prayers at 7 p.m.

Removal from his home in Kinturk on Saturday at 10.45 a.m., arriving at St. Patrick’s Church, Ballyheane, for Requiem Mass at 11.30 a.m.

Interment takes place afterwards in Ballyheane Cemetery.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.