| It is at times of heartbreak or grief that
our mind usually takes a trip down 'memory lane'. The weekend on 3rd/5th
September was one of these times when we were totally shattered and heartbroken
when learning of the tragic death of Kevin Hughes. Our mind drifted back to
long summer evenings fifteen or sixteen years ago when a few others and myself
were putting together a schoolboy team and instructing them on the basic
rudiments of the game. Looking back they were a remarkably talented group and
went on to form the backbone of teams that brought every possible honour to the
Mostrim club. It was on these long summer evenings long ago we learned Kevin
Hughes was something special and that he had many special talents. He was tall
and strong; had good hands and feet, and had a most unassuming manner and good
manners. He was always willing to listen and learn. It was at that stage so
long ago that we forecast he would reach the very top at his chosen pastime.
How gratifying for us as the years passed and to watch these talents blossom
and mature as Kevin climbed the ladder, pausing at every rung to make a
king-sized contribution to the winning of championship medals in every grade -
Juvenile, Minor, Under 21 and Senior. Our cup of satisfaction was filled when
we saw him don the Blue and Gold of his native county and go out and give many
scintillating performances. As we heartbrokenly lined up outside St. Mary's
Church Edgeworthstown to escort his mortal remains to their final resting
place, we couldn't help feeling a twinge of pride in our breast as saw every
last one of those talented schoolboys of so many long summers ago, some from
the four corners of Ireland, some from across the sea, arrive to take their
place in the Guard of Honour and carry the coffin and with tear filled eyes pay
a final tribute to very dear gentle friend and a gallant comrade. In our sorrow
our hearts go out to his heartbroken and devoted brothers and sisters, dear
girlfriend Valerie and his legion of friends and relations. I only hope that
the hundreds of footballers and ex-footballers and football officials from
every corner of Longford and the surrounding counties who came to pay tribute
to Kevin's popularity and sportsmanship is some consolation to them in their
sorrow. We will always be grateful to you Kevin, for the host of beautiful
memories you left us. We shall always cherish the memory of the many golden
hours of entertainment you gave us as we sat on a seat in Pearse Park and many
other grounds as you proceeded to unfold your vast array of talents. As we
discovered so long ago that you were very special, so too did the great Lord up
above, who guards and decides all our destiny, know that you were someone
special and decided He wanted you for His great team up above and we mere
mortals had no chance of objecting to your transfer. Still, Kevin, your name
will be revered and honoured while a ball is kicked by your beloved Mostrim
Club. Many other people will remember you for other and just as compelling
reasons, but I will always remember you as the big, talented, soft-spoken,
well-mannered schoolboy who I had the satisfaction of seeing mature and develop
to the pinnacle of perfection and bring entertainment and happiness to your
many thousands of adoring fans. |
