THERE has been deep sadness following the death on Friday of Adrian McHugh of Stramartin, Derrybeg and Galway.

He passed away at Letterkenny University Hospital following a short illness. Aged 55 years, he was a son of Sheila (née Curran) and the late Tony McHugh.

Widely known and warmly regarded, Adrian was described as ‘one of life’s good young men’ and ‘a friend to everyone he met’. News of his untimely death spread quickly, prompting an outpouring of messages of sympathy and remembrance from friends, work colleagues and former work colleagues.

Adrian received his early education at the local national school and his post primary education at Pobal Scoil Ghaoth Dobhair. He later went on to study at University College Galway. He was a bright and intelligent student and after graduating he secured a post with the Bio Medical Research (B.M.R.) facility in Galway. This company also had an assembly unit on the Gaoth Dobhair Industrial Estate.

He worked with that company for many years until it ceased operating over two years ago. He returned home for a few months until he secured employment with Boston Scientific in Galway. He worked there until the onset of his illness at Christmas.

A work colleague, Jason M Wynne at Boston Scientific was among those to pay tribute to Adrian: “He possessed a rare quality whereby, after a short time, one felt they had known him for a lifetime.

“He was a man of quiet wit who brought good humour to those around him, and he spoke with genuine enjoyment of his love for music and concerts. Adrian was consistently calm, gracious, and kind, and I never once heard him speak an unkind word of anyone”, he added.

Adrian will be remembered as a bright, friendly and popular young man whose life, though far too short, touched many hearts. His memory will live on in the stories shared, the friendships he forged and his willingness to help which never went unnoticed.

He was a man of many interests. He was a devoted lover of rock music. He travelled far and wide to see his favourite bands perform. Friends who accompanied him recall his excitement in the days leading up to a gig, and the way his face lit up as the first chord rang out.

Alongside his devotion to music was an unwavering loyalty to Manchester United. Through victories and defeats alike, he remained a true supporter, following every match with passion and hope.

Above all, he was a kind and genuine man whose enthusiasm for life was infectious. His laughter, his conversations and his unmistakable presence will be sorely missed by his loving family and friends.

His concelebrated Requiem Mass was celebrated in St. Colmcille Church, Cnoc Fola on Tuesday and he was laid to rest afterwards in Magheragallon cemetery.

He was predeceased in April 2023 by his dad, Tony McHugh and is survived by his beloved mum, Sheila, sister, Regina, aunt, Sábha (Sophia) Oliver, who lives in Norfolk, cousins, and a wide circle of friends from his years working in Galway.

Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.

– Tommy Curran