The ISSC would like to pay tribute to one of our founding members Pat McHugh, who recently passed away from cancer in San Francisco where he lived since the late 70’s.
John O’Flynn, longstanding member of ISSC, paid tribute to Pat with an excerpt of an Oct. 18, 2014 speech given on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the ISSC –
Our first executive was President John Dooley (Mayor of Nelson, BC who regretfully cannot be here tonight due to campaign commitments), Joe Heaney, Pat O’Connell, Joe McNally, Rene Dooley, the late J.J. Hyland and Langley’s Pride from County Down – Ray Burns – who is here tonight.
At Ray’s table is his wife Gail, sister Lelia Barrett visiting from London, England, sister Mary Shiels from Sandspit, BC of the Queen Charlotte Islands (Haidai Gwaii) and a brother from Warrenpoint, Co. Down and a former ISSC President and member of the 80’s and 90’s, Brendan Burns.
The first Executive chose a credo that I believe has lived on magnificently these last 4 decades. “TRY AND MAKE A NEW FRIEND AT EACH FUNCTION” Is that not perfect? A first rule – to welcome and be a friend.
Founding committee members here tonight – include – San Francisco’s most favoured Mayo Man – Pat McHugh (accompanied by his wife Teresa), Kelowna’s Mayo Man – Pearse Walsh and his wife and ISSC member Audrey), and Vancouver’s Irish treasure and an amazing fundraiser for the club, Monaghan’s Maureen Rudden (Maureen Gerrard- accompanied by her wonderful husband Al Gerrard.)
Pearse Walsh, who played with Pat for many years before moving to Kelowna BC, also paid tribute to Pat McHugh.
I am very shocked and saddened to learn of Pat’s passing, particularly as I was not aware that he had been dealing with some health issues this past while. He and his wife, Teresa, flew in from San Francisco to attend the ISSC’s 40th anniversary in 2014. It was the first time I had met up with him again since I left Vancouver in 1976 – but it was so typical of who Pat was – we chatted and reminisced like we had been in touch all those years. Pat was around from the very start of the ISSC and while he was not someone who would be comfortable in a leadership position he was the consummate club man – loyal, positive and always true to his word – if Pat said he would be at GAA practice you could depend on him to be there on time, every time – rain hail or snow! Pat and I were midfield partners on that first ISSC Gaelic Football team in 1975 and we were a tidy mid field combination that worked very well together – as all Mayo men do!!!!
My deepest sympathies go out to his wife Teresa and to his son Sean. Ar dheis Dea go Raibh a hAnam.”
Padraic (Pat) McHugh, San Francisco and formerly of Cullane, Ballindine (Mayo). Sadly missed by his wife Teresa, son Sean, his brothers Sean (pre-deceased) Eamonn, Colman, Hubert, Jarlath and Gerard. His sister’s Mary, Dolores and Bernadette, his aunt Sr Sheila Ruane (Texas), his extended Family and Friends.
