Hundreds pay respects to 'man of vision' McHugh
Joe McHugh, who was city manager from 1974 to 1986, died on Thursday night at Marymount hospice. He was aged 75.
Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr John Kelleher was among a number of dignitaries who last night attended Mr McHugh's removal to St Columba's Church, Douglas.
The Lord Mayor said: "If ever the term 'man of vision' was properly applied to anyone then that person was Joe McHugh. He pioneered the idea of long-term strategic planning in local authorities. His major contribution was the LUTS transportation and land use study which directed the development of Cork during the past two decades and became a prototype for other local authorities."
The LUTS plan in particular led to the creation of major new road networks across the city and the construction of the Jack Lynch Tunnel.
Mr McHugh, a native of Clifton, Co Galway, spent much of his early life working with local government in Limerick.
He was appointed Cork City manager in 1974.
Deputy city manager Dan Buggy said Mr McHugh was the architect of modern Cork.
"His work in inner city renewal was of great significance and areas such as the Huguenot Quarter, which previously had been derelict, were completely revitalised as a result of his vision.
"He had enormous influence on the establishment of the National Sculpture Factory.
"It is no exaggeration to say that Cork City is still benefiting from the legacy of Joe McHugh," Mr Buggy said.
Tributes were also made by Cork county manager Maurice Moloney who worked for 12 years with Mr McHugh in City Hall. "His most striking attribute was his imagination and his ability to look beyond the present," Mr Moloney said.
Bishop John Buckley said Cork had lost a great public servant who had a particular interest in developing the city's northside.
Mr McHugh was the driving force behind the Cork 800 celebrations in 1985.
In 1993 McHugh House on the Grand Parade was named after him and in 1998 UCC conferred him with an Honorary Doctorate of Law.
Deputy Noel O'Flynn said that in later life Mr McHugh became involved in a voluntary capacity with many organisations. "The government recognised him when he was appointed to oversee the establishment of a site for a third level college on the northside of the city," Deputy O'Flynn said.
Ted Crosbie, director of Thomas Crosbie Holdings, said: "He was the driving force of the Cork 800 celebrations which put Cork firmly on the map again."
Mr McHugh, who lived in Douglas, also held the post of executive chairman of Cork Gas Company. He held directorships at Triskel Arts Centre, Firkin Crane and First National Insurance Company.
Requiem mass will take place at noon today at St Columba's Church, Douglas.
Mr McHugh will be buried afterwards at a private ceremony in Kilfinnane, Co Limerick. He is survived by his wife Kay, sons David, Conor, Dermot, Rory and daughter Jenny.
LORD MAYOR OF CORK, CLLR JOHN KELLEHER
"If ever the term 'man of vision' was properly applied to anyone then that person was Joe McHugh. He pioneered the idea of long term strategic planning in local authorities."
DEPUTY NOEL O'FLYNN:
"The government recognised him when he was appointed to oversee the establishment of a site for a third level college on the northside of the city."
CORK COUNTY MANAGER, MAURICE MOLONEY:
"His most striking attribute was his imagination and his ability to look beyond the present."
CORK CITY DEPUTY MANAGER, DAN BUGGY:
"His work in inner city renewal was of great significance and areas such as the Huguenot Quarter, which previously had been derelict, were completely revitalised as a result of his vision."
