The Bishop of Clogher, Bishop Larry Duffy, is leading the tributes today to Cannon Pat McHugh who has died.
The former parish priest at Muckno and teacher at St Macartan’s College passed away on Wednesday the 27th of April.
The Bishop said Fr Pat, as he was popularly known, was a big man in both stature and renown.
He added the late cannon was a tireless worker and a priest who faithfully served in the different parishes and educational settings in which he ministered.
Canon Pat McHugh was a native of Killynoogan, Kesh, in the Parish of Ederney (Cúil Máine), close to the Fermanagh-Donegal border.
Following his studies at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, he was ordained to the Priesthood in June 1979.
He subsequently served on the teaching staff of St Macartan’s College, Monaghan from 1980 until 1987 when he was appointed to be CC at Threemilehouse in the Parish of Kilmore & Drumsnatt.
He also later served for periods as CC in Scothouse (Killeevan-Currin-Aghabog) and at Aghadrumsee, Co Fermanagh (Clones parish).
In addition, he worked in the human formation of students for the priesthood in both Kent in England and Valladolid in Spain.
Cannon McHugh was appointed Parish Priest of Castleblayney in 2010 and ministered there until his retirement due to ill health in September 2018.
He was a devoted GAA member - as a player, coach, administrator and supporter and won a McRory Cup Medal with St Michael’s College, Enniskillen in 1973.
He played for his home club in Ederney and coached several successful teams in St Macartan’s College as well as with clubs in the parishes he ministered in.
Cannon McHugh also served, at different periods, as an officer of both Monaghan and Fermanagh County boards of the GAA.
