The Late Paddy Hughes

Sunday 24th November 2024

Coiste Chontae an Dúin and the family that is Down GAA are saddened to learn of the death of Paddy Hughes of Ballycran, a man who gave outstanding service to his Club and his County over many decades. We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Teresa, his children Patrick, Mary, John, Fiona, Michael, Paula and Gerard, sons in laws and daughters in law, Audrey, Richard, Tracy, Andy, Niamh and Aisling, his grandchildren  Hanna, Mary Jane, Annie, Sarah, Jessica, Alice, Shane, Eamon, Cillian, Ella, Caolan and Emer, his mother in law,  Maura Bannon and his brothers and sisters. To the Gaels of Ballycran we offer our condolences on the loss of a man who was a club stalwart on and off the field.

Paddy Hughes wore the back and amber of Ballycran and the Red and Black of Down with distinction, winning two Ulster Club Medals in 1974 and 1976 and ten Senior Hurling Championship Medals, including having the honour of captaining the Club to the County title in Centenary year in 1984. Paddy was rated as one of the best defenders in Ulster in the 70s and 80s, a man very much at home in the full back line but never afraid to venture into attack and to grab a score when needed. When his playing career finished for Ballycran, Paddy served on the Club Committee as registrar and fittingly for a man of his stature, he became a Trustee of the Club. Many will have known Paddy from their visits to McKenna Park, where he welcomed everyone and managed to sell them a Club Lotto Tickets or two, always will a friendly greeting that ensured, a purchase could not be refused.

Paddy played for Down from 1971 right through to 1986, winning an Ulster Intermediate Medal in 1971 and 1972, in 1971 Paddy had been on the team narrowly defeated by Galway in the All Ireland Intermediate Semi Final played in Croke Park, Provincial recognition followed and Paddy played in the Railway Cup from 1974 through to 1983. In recent times, Paddy was a regular attender at County Fixtures and was particularly proud when his sons shared his passion and played for their Club and their County. 

Paddy Hughes always wanted to give something back, to make a difference for the next generations to come, he had had got great enjoyment through his involvement in the GAA, he never sought the limelight, but in his own quiet way he wanted to play his part in ensuring that the Club was in a good place, with Paddy as a Trustee the Club was in safe hands , the new Indoor facilities are a credit to the vision and leadership of people like Paddy Hughes, people who make things happen and Paddy did that on and off the field.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.