There was sadness in the Portlaoise GAA community this week with the news that Jim Hughes, a former championship-winning captain with the club, had passed away.
Jim lived in Garrykennedy in Tipperary and served as a Garda in Nenagh and was a hugely respected figure in the community there over a long number of years, putting his shoulder to the wheel with the Portroe Community Hall group and with the Garrykennedy Boat and Fishing Club.
But Jim was also very much part of the modern history of Portlaoise GAA club.
He captained the club to senior football honours in 1964, a significant title at the time as it was Portlaoise’s first championship success since 1907.
He was also captain when they won the championship again in 1966 and was later on the team that won Leinster honours in 1971, the first time the club achieved that breakthrough provincial success.
“Jim was a player of great talent who represented The Town with great distinction for many years, winning county titles in both hurling and football,” said Portlaoise GAA club in a social media post.
“Jim was a leader … he led by example, never sparing himself on the frontline as a midfielder or defender and went on to be come and inter-county star for many years.”
“Though resident in Tipperary for many years, Jim always kept abreast of what was happening in his home club.
“He always watched out for the fixtures and results and was extremely proud of the success of our teams.
“He had a great evening back in 2014 at a reunion of the 1964 team – where he caught up with his old comrades as well as meeting some of the next generation who carried the torch.”
Jim is predeceased by his late wife Máire and his siblings Eilish, John and Mary. He is deeply regretted by his loving children Niall, Crona, Orla, Mary, Joe and Jim, his sisters Frances, Kathleen and Margaret, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, sons-in-law – John, Finian and Gary – daughters-in-law – Darra, Claire and Aysel – his adored grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives and many friends.
His funeral mass takes place in St Mary’s church in Portroe this morning with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. 
