McHugh, Jimmy
July 30, 2007
Jimmy McHugh, Crossboyne, whose sudden death came as a great shock to family and friends, was a member of one of Garrymore's best known families. he was on his way home from the Garrymore v Aghamore league game when he took ill and died in the car.
Jimmy was one of a family of eleven born to Tom and Delia McHugh in Killeenreevagh. His first job was in Cuddy's place in Claremorris after which he moved to Dublin and later to England in the late 1950s. After some years there, he left for America in the mid-60s where he joined his brothers Bertie and Mick and sister Peggy who had emigrated to New York before him.
During his years in New York, Jimmy worked in Manhattan and retained his strong links with the GAA through his involvement with the Mayo Club in New York, which he served with much loyalty. It was a follow-on to his involvement with the John Mitchell's Club during his years in the Birmingham area prior to moving to America.
Jimmy married Mary Burke from Crossboyne. They met in New York but were married in Crossboyne. Fr Donal Dolan, and uncle of Jimmy, officiated at the ceremony. A member of the Kiltegan Fathers, he was home from the African Missions at the time.
They returned to New York where they resided until the end of the 1970s when they decided to relocate back home to Mayo and settled in Crossboyne. They raised a family of three, kevin, Brendan and Niamh.
For close on 25 years, Jimmy served as caretaker at St Colman's College where he commanded the height of respect from both the staff and pupils. During those years, Jimmy was noted for his sense of caring and compassion and his special rapport with all who came his way. He retired as caretaker three years ago.
His life-long interest in gaelic games was nurtured from an early age through his involvement with Garrymore. He was a member of the Garrymore minor team that won the May county title back in 1956, the first team from the club ever to capture county honours. It was a proud occasion for Jimmy and his colleagues when that team were honoured at a special celebration to mark the golden jubilee of the occasion last December in Garrymore.
Jimmy was a Passionate supporter of Garrymore and Mayo football. he was intensely loyal to his home club and was a very familiar face at the Garrymore venue over the last quarter of a century. A man endowed with a gracious spirit, his kind nature shone through and the regular handshake and welcome was synonymous with Jimmy McHugh.
News of his sudden passing was received with shock and disbelief by the people of the locality, many of whom had seen him just a short time earlier enjoying the football game in Garrymore. Jimmy was one of nature's gentlemen and will be greatly missed by Mary and the family as well as the wider community.
A wake was held in the family home and removal took place from Carey's Funeral Home to Crossboyne Church. Garrymore GAA Club formed a large guard of honour as a tribute to one of their real stalwarts.
Fr James Quinn was the chief celebrant at the Requiem Mass and was assisted by Fr Donal Dolan, Fr Martin Newell, Fr John O'Boyle and Fr JJ Cribbin. At the end of the Mass, Fr O'Boyle, who served as President of St Colman's College for many years while Jimmy worked there, paid a fine tribute and recalled Jimmy's wonderful contribution to the college during his years of loyal and dedicated service.
Jimmy, who was predeceased by his brother Paddy and sister Carmel, is deeply regretted by his wife mary and family, Kevin, Brendan and Niamh, daughter-in-law Marie, grandson Josh, brothers John (Longford), Petie (Birmingham), Tommy (Killeenreevagh), Mick (New York) and Bertie (Brook hill), sisters Mary (Birmingham), Ita (Birmingham) and Peggy (New York), in-laws, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
Courtesy of The Mayo News.
July 2007
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