RIP: Passing of man in Mayo keenly felt in Tyrone and Leeds

FERGAL Hughes, Culmore, Kilkelly, who died recently in Castlebar Hospital, was formerly of Dungannon, Co Tyrone, and Leeds, UK.

The news of his sudden passing was received with profound sadness by his legion of friends in Mayo, Tyrone, and especially in Leeds where he spent so much of his life and where Hughes Funeral Directors are among the most revered in the city.

Fergal (59) spent so much time between Leeds and Kilkelly, home of his wife Pauline Harrison. He made numerous friends around Kilkelly and always loved to chat to all he met along the way.

The kindness, compassion, humour, and empathetic outreach of Fergal to so many people can be gauged by the many warm and heartfelt tributes to him in recent days.

Andy Storr, Diocese of Leeds, said it was a privilege to know and work with him: “Fergal set the highest standard, total professionalism in his work, a quick and delightful wit that lightened every day, and the heart and courtesy of a true gentleman. He leaves behind a wonderful legacy.”

Stephen Daly recalled they were in the same class at St Patrick’ Academy, Dungannon, some 40 years ago: “Looking back I remember Fergal as being highly intelligent, helpful, and a modest individual.”

Mary Wilson (Breen), Leeds, expressed gratitude when recalling Fergal’s special qualities: “He was indeed a real gentleman and helped so many families including our own to organise funeral arrangements for our loved ones with such care, respect and dignity during those difficult initial stages of grief.”

Donna Moore commented: “Fergal was a gentleman with a huge smile. He was always very well thought of in terms of his job role, which he always carried out with such respect, empathy and professionalism and many families will be forever grateful to him for this.”

Anne Glavey from Kilkelly was also among those extending condolences to his wife Pauline and all the Harrison and Hughes families on the passing of Fergal: “He always had a good word for everyone and never passed you by without a hello and he loved the chat. He was a gentleman through and through.”

Reposing was at his residence in Culmore and interment took place in Culmore cemetery following the funeral Mass in Kilkelly Church.

Fergal will be sadly missed by his wife Pauline (née Harrison), his daughter Katie, sons Liam, Brendan and Paul, son-in-law Andrew, grandson Naoise and Liam’s partner Balvinder, his mother and father Mary and Hugh, brothers Paul, Fintan and Adrian, sisters and brothers -in- law, nieces, nephews and many friends.