Larger-than-life publican who touched lives with generosity

OBITUARY

Pat Hughes’ love of sport not only made him a loyal fan but a generous sponsor of many local clubs, not to mention his popularity as a second generation publican in the family bar in Woodquay.

It was his consistent involvement in these sporting communities that made him a hero to many. His larger-than-life personality may have made him appear invincible to many and news of his recent death had come as a shock.

The large crowds at his removal and funeral mass in the Abbey Church was indicative of how many lives he touched with his generosity over the years.

Pat handed over the running of the family pub to his son, John, fifteen years ago. In that time, he took a back seat in the business but continued his support of his beloved Our Lady’s Boys Club and Liam Mellows.

A former chairman of Mellows, he continued his role of a trustee up until his death.

His retirement from the pub was blighted by a series of health issues, particularly in the past two years, leading to his death in University Hospital Galway. There he passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family.

Pat had big boots to fill as a publican when his dad, Mick, retired from the hugely-popular Woodquay hostelry, but he did so with aplomb in his own style.

Hughes pub continued to as popular as it ever was, not just with the local customers but with a new arty crowd, mainly from the Town Hall Theatre around the corner.

The longevity of any business is due to its ability to evolve with the times and, this, Pat encouraged. And when he passed the running of the bar to his own son, John, it meant that he too had big boots to fill.

John recalled in his eulogy that walking through the town with his dad took an age because he talked to everyone.

There was good reason for this popularity. Pat loved his home town, he liked talking to people and people in turn recognised him, not as a local publican but a man who not only supported local sporting clubs but was generous with his time and sponsorship. He wanted sports to thrive whether that was getting onto committees to future proof them or paying to kit out the team.

He will always be associated with Liam Mellows and Our Lady’s Boys Club, as well as with county hurling and rugby teams.

He also served on their committees, including the Galway Rowing Club. He was an accomplished oarsman in his youth and his interest never waned in that club, one that his own father, Michael, instigated and even laboured on the building of the clubhouse on the water’s edge.

Pat himself was as willing to be a player, be it hurling or whatever, to being a committee man or a chairman. But he was particularly honoured to serve as president of Our Lady’s Boys Club.

His good friend, sports broadcaster with Galway Bay FM, George McDonagh, remembers him, not just for his company and friendship but for his generosity in general.

“Pat loved all sport. His famed sponsorship of the Connemara All Blacks is legendary. Mellows, Our Lady’s, the Galway Hibernians and the Rowing Club all benefitted from his support and sponsorship,” said George.

In his tribute, George remembered Monday nights in Hughes celebrating the first day of the Galway Races every year and those immortal three words after the first round was ordered — ‘on the house.’

On those nights, everyone was welcomed, from punters, to owners to trainers. In Pat’s eyes, every customer was treated with respect. But Pat knew how to run it with a firm hand, too, making the bar a safe, comfortable venue.

In 1999, Pat enjoyed the Galway Races on a Tuesday evening with his great friend, Bartley Nolan whose horse, Way Dante, won a chase ridden by Norman Williamson.

Pat was also proud of his son, John’s victories as a Galway minor hurler and he was really joyous when his beloved Mellows won the county cup in 2017.

As George said in his tribute, the world has lost a gentleman.

Pat is survived by his wife Madeline; his son John; daughter Karen; daughter-in-law Natalie and son-in-law Aaron; his grandson Charlie; his sisters Bríd and Bernie; and brothers Michael, Ray, Dave, Brian and John.

May he rest in peace.