The late Patsy Hughes The death of former Offaly, Cloghan and Tullamore footballer, Patsy Hughes last Thursday week after a lengthy illness was greeted with great sadness by his former playing colleagues and many friends in the county. A native of Cloghan, Patsy Hughes was a midfielder of considerable ability during his playing days. He was a member of the famous Offaly panel that made the break through by winning the Leinster Senior Football Championship for the first time in 1960. While a sub on the team that beat Louth in that not to be forgotten final, Patsy saw action in some of the earlier rounds and also came on as a sub in the All Ireland semi-final against Down. He was also a panelist on the Offaly team what retained their Leinster title in 1961 and went on to reach the All Ireland final where they lost to Down in a legendary decider. He gave loyal service to his beloved Cloghan and played in two county finals with them. Unfortunately they were losing appearances with Cloghan losing 0-8 to 0-1 to Tullamore in 1956 and 2-8 to 0-6 to St Patrick's in 1959. Patsy was actually sent off in that 1959 final but he took it in typically good humour in recent years when friends joked with him that he was the "only man to be sent off in the pre-match parade" in a county final. Indeed, Patsy loved that type of banter and was very adept at participating in it. After marrying his wife Margaret, Patsy moved into a new house at Clonminch, Tullamore into the early '60s and transferred to Tullamore GAA Club where he played for a couple of years before retiring. Patsy retained a life long interest in the GAA and loved to chat about old times and games. HE was proud of the achievements of his legendary brother, Greg who was named on the Offaly football team of the millennium in 2000 and played at full back for Offaly throughout the '60s while he was a panelist on the 1971 All-Ireland champions. In later years, he was particularly proud of the achievements of his son, Joe who helped inspire Tullamore to SEnior Football Championship titles in 2000 and 2002. Patsy Hughes was one of life's gentleman. A gem of a person, he was sociable, gentle and kind and possessed a great sense of humour and a quick wit. He enjoyed a few sociable pints in Joe Lee's on a Saturday night and friendly conversation, especially when it came around to sport. Above all else, he was a great family man and the welfare of his wife and children were always to the forefront of his thoughts. He worked for Bord na Mona at their Boora works for forty six years before retiring in 2000. He was an active member of Tullmaore Pitch and Putt Club for years and was also a member of the Tullamore Active Retirement Association in recent years. He bore his illness with typical bravery and the staff at Tullamore and Beaumount Hospitals provided him with the best of care and attention. Evidence of his popularity was reflected by the turnout at his removal and funeral, which included many former Cloghan and Bord na Mona colleagues. He was buried in Clonminch Cemetery following requiem Mass in the Church of the Assumption last Thursday. He is survived by his wife, Margaret; son, Joe; daughters, Greg; sister, Eileen; other relatives and a wide circle of friends, to whom sincere sympathy is extended. Kevin Corrigan Courtesy of Midland Tribune 03 December 2005 Tweet

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