Tributes paid to ‘incredibly fit, skilful, teak tough and uncompromising’ former Roscommon star
The Roscommon U-21 football panel that were crowned All-Ireland champions in 1978. Back row (l-r): R. O'Beirne, G. Connellan, T. McManus, B. Kenny, H. Crowley, G. Fitzmaurice, P. Dolan and S. Tighe. Front row (l-r): C. Reynolds, A. McHugh, S. Hayden (captain), M. Finneran, G. Emmett, E. Egan and D. Newton.
Tributes have been paid to a former All-Ireland-winning Roscommon player following his unexpected passing earlier this week.
Aidan McHugh was a key member of the Rossies' All-Ireland winning U-21 team in 1978, scoring four goals in one game against Sligo in the Connacht championship.
Strokestown GAA Club said that it was “deeply saddened” to hear about the passing of their former player, who was a retired Garda based in Tullamore, County Offaly.
After joining the Gardaí, the late Aidan McHugh served in Granard in Longford for a few years and won a senior football championship medal with them in 1982. He was subsequently transferred to Clara in Offaly before moving into Tullamore at the end of the 1980s where he worked for over 15 years before retiring in the 2000s.
He joined Tullamore GAA Club after moving to the town and while he played mainly junior football with them, he was on the panel that were beaten by Ferbane in the 1992 Offaly Senior Football Championship final.
“Aidan never lost his love of Strokestown and Elphin Street and over many years he regularly returned to the town. He loved visiting his family, catching up with old friends, reminiscing about growing up in Elphin Street and watching the Black and Amber in action.
“He rarely missed a Strokestown championship match and indeed his last game to attend was our recent All-Ireland semi-final in Ballyshannon in January. There was no prouder Strokestown person at that game,” said Strokestown GAA Club in a statement.
The club went on to say that their former star was “incredibly fit, skilful, teak tough and uncompromising”, achieving so much on the field of play and as a member of the Roscommon U-21 team that claimed All-Ireland honours 48 years ago.
“He inspired many young players to push on and play for both club and county,” noted the club.
In conclusion, Strokestown GAA Club extended its deepest sympathies to Aidan’s wife Marie, daughter Karen, son Ted, brothers, Micheál, David, Dessie, Denis and Cyril, sisters Maeve and Dorothy, all of his extended family, former colleagues of An Garda Síochána and also Aidan's many friends within the GAA.
The late Aidan McHugh will repose at Lawless' Funeral Home, Mucklagh (R35 C5P6) on Good Friday, April 3rd, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m..
Funeral service on Saturday, April 4th, in St. Colman's Church, Mucklagh (R35 V045) at 11 a.m.. Private cremation to follow.
May he Rest In Peace.
