Overview
- Monaghan GAA confirmed his death and hailed him as one of the county’s greatest ever players.
- Hughes was diagnosed with liver and colon cancer in 2018 and spoke openly about maintaining a positive outlook through treatment.
- He was Monaghan’s first All-Star in 1979 and finished with three awards, uniquely honoured in both defence and attack.
- Career honours included Ulster titles with Monaghan, the 1985 National Football League, a 1984 Railway Cup medal with Ulster, and provincial club successes with Castleblayney Faughs.
- He received a Gaelic Players Association Lifetime Achievement award in 2024; he is survived by his widow Teresa, sons Ciaran and Conor, and stepson Óisín, with burial planned in Castleblayney.