Edwin McGreal
The late Tony McHugh, one of the best-known businessmen in the region, has been remembered for his outstanding business leadership and community support, especially in his home town of Castlebar.
Mr McHugh was proprietor of the Welcome Inn Hotel with his sister Anne and was a leading developer and his companies were responsible for much of the redevelopment of Castlebar in the past 30 years.
Mayo Fianna Fáil TD Beverley Flynn was a close friend of Mr McHugh.
“Tony McHugh was an iconic businessman who took the lead in the development of his native town over the past thirty years. It was his vision, drive and courage which changed the face of the county town and transformed Castlebar into the undisputed leading commercial location in the country.
“He invested his resources and his energy in his native town, and Castlebar will always be the monument to his achievements.”
Deputy Flynn also paid tribute to Tony McHugh’s renowned generosity.
“He was a generous man who never lost sight of his roots or who never let commercial success go to his head. He contributed readily to a host of sporting and charitable causes, and had a special affection for the Sacred Heart Hospital.
“There was nobody who did not have anything but good to say about Tony McHugh, and the outpouring of grief at the first news of his fatal illness eight months ago was deep and genuine.
“On a personal level, I will miss Tony McHugh for his friendship and advice. We grew up together in the same neighbourhood, our families were friends of the second generation, and he was a stalwart and reliable political ally. He was born into and was resolutely Fianna Fail, but he enjoyed the friendship of those of every political persuasion and of none.
“Castlebar has lost a true champion, but our thoughts especially go out to his family, who have lost a husband,a father, a son, a brother. It is they who must live with the loss of his gentle support and his kindly presence into the years ahead.”
Minister of State Dara Calleary also paid a glowing tribute to a man with ‘endless enthusiasm’.
“I only got to know Tony McHugh in the past 18 months but in that short time I came to greatly admire his endless enthusiasm, boundless energy and the personal touch that he brought to his professional and private life,” said Minister Calleary.
“Anthony’s ambition for Castlebar and Mayo knew no bounds. His dynamism and drive were second to none and something which has given me, personally, great encouragement and desire to replicate this deep commitment and dedication to the county.”
Tony McHugh was a leading supporter and sponsor of both GAA and soccer in the county. A minute’s silence was held before GAA and soccer games in the county at the weekend.
His company, Mountain View Securities, built the new stand at McHale Park and Mayo senior football manager John O’Mahony also paid tribute.
“Tony McHugh was a life long supporter of Mayo GAA over the years in victory and defeat. He built the magnificent stadium at McHale Park. I spoke with him on the evening of the Mayo Galway national league game and conveyed to him the appreciation of players and management for the facilities.”
