Tuam's Steven McHugh takes temporary seat on Galway County Council

McHugh returns to County Chamber during sister's maternity leave.

Published 27th Jul 2026, 17:54 BST Connacht Tribune McHugh returns to County Chamber during sister's maternity leave. Sign up to our Connacht Tribune Today daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Connacht Tribune within your account.

Tuam’s Steven McHugh has returned to Galway County Council, temporarily taking his sister's seat in the County Chamber while Cllr Karey McHugh Farag (Ind) is on maternity leave.

Speaking at today’s (Monday July 27) meeting of Galway County Council, Cllr McHugh said he was grateful for the opportunity to once again represent the Tuam area.

"It is a great opportunity to speak up about the Tuam area and county in general," he said, as he thanked councillors and officials "for giving me the chance to talk".

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Referencing Mayo's historic All-Ireland Senior Football Championship triumph over Kerry on Sunday, Mr McHugh acknowledged his family's Mayo roots as he congratulated the county on ending its 75-year wait for the Sam Maguire Cup.

"My mother is a Mayo woman and I want to send my congratulations to Mayo," he said.

Cathaoirleach of the Tuam Municipal District, Cllr Mary Hoade (FF), welcomed Cllr McHugh back to the council and said she looked forward to working with him.

The temporary vacancy arose after Cllr McHugh Farag and her husband, Trevor, welcomed their second child.

It marks the second time Mr McHugh has taken his sister's seat in the County Chamber, having previously been co-opted in September 2023 to fill a temporary vacancy in the Membership of the Council during her first maternity leave.

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