Kevin Hughes shares personal tragedies and triumphs on TG4

THE community of Killeeshil has rallied around their local hero, Tyrone All-Ireland winner Kevin Hughes, following the recent airing of TG4’s Laochra Gael episode dedicated to his illustrious career.

Over 100 people gathered at the Killeeshil Community Centre for a special preview, while the county tuned in for the broadcast of the final episode.

In a poignant portrayal, Kevin shared heartfelt reflections on personal tragedies, including the loss of his brother and sister in road traffic collisions, as well as the untimely deaths of teammates Paul McGirr, Cormac McAnallen, and Michaela McAreavey. Filmed last year, the episode features insights from notable figures like Peter Canavan, Mark Harte, and Brian McGuigan.

The St Mary’s clubman was named man-of-the-match in the 2003 All-Ireland final. Kevin has won All-Ireland titles at Minor, Senior and U-21 level, as well as a Tyrone Intermediate title with his Killeeshil club.

Speaking about the programme, Kevin said, “I felt it was important to share these experiences, not just my sporting achievements, but the challenges and losses I’ve faced off the field. It’s a part of my story, and I wanted to be open about it.”

Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Kevin also took to social media to convey his appreciation and dedicated the airing to his late sister’s birthday. “So humbled and honored to have been asked by Sport TG4 to appear on Laochra Gael, a show I love and watched down the years,” he wrote. “A special thanks to Sarah McCoy and her team for making it such an amazing experience, extra special that it aired today on Helen’s birthday.”

Kevin has been vocal in supporting initiatives like the Enough is Enough campaign for the A5 dual-carriageway.

“The funding is there, the plans are passed,” he asserted. “It’s a numbers game. This campaign asks a simple question – how many more lives need to be lost before something is done?”

Reflecting on his hopes for the future, Hughes remarked, “I hope my children and grandchildren will one day sit down and enjoy the programme. It’s a testament to my journey, the highs, and the lows, and I’m proud to have shared it.”