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Talented young footballer was 'superb character'

Peter Hughes from Dromintee who died in the A1 road crash on Sunday
Peter Hughes from Dromintee who died in the A1 road crash on Sunday Peter Hughes from Dromintee who died in the A1 road crash on Sunday

Talented young GAA player Peter Hughes was last night described as a "superb character".

The 19-year-old from Dromintee in south Armagh was also remembered as a "great friend" by team-mates from both his home club and Queen's University, where he had just completed his first year of a mechanical engineering course.

He had been head boy at St Paul's High School in Bessbrook in 2013/14 and principal Jarlath Burns said he was a "perfect role model and a total charmer".

The young man hailed from a family steeped in the GAA and had begun playing at under-eight level at Dromintee GAC.

He had continued through to senior level and despite two career-threatening injuries, had fought his way back to fitness to play for Queen's and Dromintee this year.

Dromintee GAC said all games and training sessions had been cancelled until further notice following his death.

Secretary Elena Martin said club members were stunned by the tragedy.

"He was a lovely, well-mannered young lad," she said.

"It hasn't sunk in with anyone yet, we are all trying to come to terms with it but our thoughts are with his family."

Aidan O'Rourke, former Armagh All-Ireland winner and GAA development officer at Queen's, said Mr Hughes was "prodigiously talented".

"As a university and football club we can only imagine the trauma that Peter's family are trying to cope with," he said.

"Our own devastation must pale into insignificance but as team and club mates, the loss of a superb character, a talented footballer and a great friend so suddenly is debilitating."

He said winning his battle back to fitness from serious injury was "testament to his character and his charismatic personality meant that he was a central figure in the group".

"The other players are struggling to deal with the shock of this loss.

"Coming from a rural area the community is very close knit. The GAA club in Dromintee is a huge part of the way of life and Peter's family are woven into the fabric of the club.

"Peter followed in the footsteps of his father Paul, uncles and cousins in representing the team with distinction and was a perfect role model for his younger brothers and sister.

"Peter will be missed tremendously and we can only pray that his family find the strength to cope with this devastating loss".

Mr Hughes is survived by his parents Paul and Sharon and siblings Kevin, Ryan and Jennifer.

His funeral will take place at St Patrick's Church, Dromintee tomorrow at 11am followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.