Late Paddy Hughes was “an exceptional leader”

Many warm tributes have been paid to the memory of the former Managing Director of Bord na Móna and Tullamore resident, Paddy Hughes, following his death on Monday of this week,

The late Mr Hughes, who lived on Arden Road and was a native of Kilcavan in Laois, passed away at St James Hospital in Dublin, surrounded by his devoted family.

A quiet-spoken and unassuming man, who was very proud of his Laois roots despite making his home in Offaly, the late Paddy Hughes first joined Bord na Móna in 1959 and rose through the ranks of the company to become Managing Director in 1996, following the resignation of Dr Eddie O'Connor.

He presided over the semi-state body at a time of great transformation, overseeing its transition into a public limited company in 1998 during his tenure. A skilled and diplomatic negotiator, he won widespread respect and admiration among his peers and the workforce of Bord na Móna for the manner in which he oversaw what was a turbulent period in the history of the company.

The many warm tributes paid to the memory of the late Paddy Hughes from friends and former colleagues bear ample testament to the high esteem in which he was held by all who knew him. Described as someone who was “honourable” and “an absolute gentleman in every way” many online tributes from those who worked alongside him during his 49 years in Bord na Móna recalled a man who was “hugely respected, dedicated, an exceptional leader and gentleman” and as someone who was “smart, intuitive, kind and understated, always himself.”

While he was most closely associated with Bord na Móna during his life, he was also a devoted husband, a much-loved father, and an adored grandfather.

Paddy Hughes was the last surviving member of the Hughes family from Kilcavan, being pre-deceased by his parents, Paddy and Kathleen, sisters Kathleen and Betty and his brother John.

He is survived by his beloved wife Sadie, his children Majella, Conor, Paddy, and Cathal, his daughters-in-law Gillian, Paula, Deirdre and Majella’s partner Seamus, his adored grandchildren Nicole, Christopher, Isobelle, Charlie, Daisy, Paddy, and John, his extended family, relatives and many friends.

Mr Hughes was laid to rest in Durrow Cemetery earlier today (Thursday) following funeral Mass in the Church of the Assumption, Tullamore.

May he rest in peace.