The entire community of St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook is deeply shocked and
saddened to learn of the tragic death of our esteemed past pupil and former Head Boy Peter Hughes.
Peter was a model pupil during his seven years at St Paul’s, and led by example in every aspect of school life – in the classroom, in the playground, on the playing
field or in the handball alleys – or when representing the school both at home or abroad.
Peter was Head Boy during the academic year 2013/14, and will be remembered for the address he made on behalf of pupils at the retirement Mass for former Principal, Mr Oliver Mooney – and how he
represented the students of St Paul’s on the international projects to Romania and to Russia.
Peter’s untimely death, at such a young and formative age, is shocking. The fond memories of all the community of St Paul’s of such a well-mannered, personable and diligent young man of huge integrity will be his legacy.
The thoughts and prayers of the community of St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook are with Peter’s parents, Paul and Sharon, and his sister Jennifer, and brothers Kevin and Ryan at this difficult time. We also remember, and pray for the families of Gavin Sloan and Conall Havern as they come to terms with their sad loss.
19 comments
Simply can’t take it in, so full of goodness and with so much life to live. All our hearts are heavy, what must the Hughes family feel… May Peter’s generous soul rest in peace.
by John Campbell on 24/08/2015 at 10:32 pm #
Didn’t know him but have acquaintances with some of his friends through Bosco Drama Group. My heart goes out to your school community, the local community and his family and friends.
Hope you get strength to support you through these next few days, weeks and the lonely times ahead. RIP Peter Hughes
by John Heatley on 24/08/2015 at 11:06 pm #
Such sadness, such a character. One of life’s young gentlemen. So proud to have known him in his short life.
Rest in peace Peter
by Mary & Gerard Mc Mahon on 24/08/2015 at 11:33 pm #
horrible news,please god help their family and friends x unimaginable sadness and loss, xx
by stephanie mooney on 25/08/2015 at 4:36 am #
May God bless these three young men and may they rest in eternal peace. I pray their families can find the strength to cope with their immense loss through the grace of God. Our Lady of the Gaels pray for them.
by Leontia Munroe on 25/08/2015 at 7:43 am #
I had the pleasure of teaching Peter intermittently over the years throughout my time as a sub teacher in St Paul’s.
He was one of those students you just remember, for all the right reasons. He was full of charisma and character, polite and friendly and still had time to stop and chat years after I taught him, and I spoke to him only recently.
What a fine young gentleman that little bright and confident first year turned into! His parents should be immensely proud of their lad!
Thoughts and prayers with Peter’s family and may God rest his soul. RIP Peter Hughes
Lisa Bennett
by Lisa Bennett on 25/08/2015 at 9:19 am #
Peter Hughes, a boy who ticked all the boxes in life. A sad sad time for the Hughes family, and the families of the other boys. Proud to have met you Peter. R.I.P.
by Madeline Britton on 25/08/2015 at 9:38 am #
What a boy, he ticked all the boxes in life. I am so proud to have met him. My heart goes out to his family, a very sad time.
by Madeline Britton on 25/08/2015 at 9:44 am #
So heartbreaking for all three families. You are in my thought and prayers R.I.P Peter & friends.
by Catherine Halpenny on 25/08/2015 at 6:16 pm #
I didn’t personally know Peter but from everyone is saying he defo was a true gentleman & my thoughts & prayers are with all his family. R.I.P. Peter <3
by Jacqueline King on 25/08/2015 at 7:18 pm #
I remember seeing Peter shortly before he left and wondering how long it would be before he was invited back to give the speech at senior prize giving.Thats how convinced I was that whatever he did he would be an outstanding success.We have lost a true gentleman and the epitome of all that we do at St Paul’s.May I send my deepest condolences to Peters family and friends.
by Martin Canavan on 25/08/2015 at 10:17 pm #
Didn’t know the boys personally, going by reports they were three young fellas who have left massive voids within their families and communities. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this terrible time. May they RIP
Gerry
Belfast
by Gérard Campbell on 25/08/2015 at 10:23 pm #
hughes family has this familys sympathy
by michael bell on 25/08/2015 at 10:24 pm #
I didn’t know Peter very well, but for the short time I did he was a true gent and would do anything for anyone. It was a pleasure to compete against him in the annual Year 13 vs Year 14 quiz, such an intelligent young man. Cared for and loved by many, safe to say St. Paul’s and our entire community will never forget you Peter. You made such an impact on each and every person you met. Honoured to have attended the same school as such an incredible young man. Rest in peace Peter, you’ll never be out of our thoughts and prayers xx
by Anita Dennison on 25/08/2015 at 10:40 pm #
We had the pleasure of meeting Peter in 2013 with the Romania trip between St Paul’s and St Patrick’s Academy Lisburn.
Right from the first moment he stepped onto the bus outside the Carrickdale Hotel you just knew he was a standout character. Peter engaged greatly with the project out in Romania and never once had to be asked to do anything as he was generally first off the coach and straight to work!
He was a credit to both his family and his school and always carried himself with great maturity when visiting the various orphanages throughout the week.
We were very shocked and saddened to hear about this awful accident that has taken a life so young and full of promise from this world.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends at this very sad time.
Cathy Hamilton & Gareth Part (Donaghmore/Lisburn)
Rest in peace kid x x
by Cathy hamilton on 25/08/2015 at 11:37 pm #
Heartbreaker news for the Hughes family also the families off his two young friends as a member of a family who lost my mother to a road death many years ago I sincerely sympathise with all the families and school communities involved May the three young gentlemen rest in peace. Please pray too your sons not for them but for strength for your families going forward three angels looking now looking down on you all from this day forward,in my prayers as well God bless
by margaret mallon on 26/08/2015 at 6:58 am #
On behalf of the students and staff of St. Patrick’s Academy, Lisburn may I offer our heartfelt condolences.
I had the pleasure of meeting Peter during a joint aid trip with St. Paul’s High School to Romania in 2013 and was instantly impressed with his charismatic and kind personality. In the short time I had the chance to know Peter, it was abundantly clear that he was a young man who had maturity, talent and integrity beyond his years.
Peter was a credit to his school and his family and I can not imagine the loss and emptiness you are feeling.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
by St. Patrick's Academy Lisburn on 27/08/2015 at 4:49 pm #
if I turn out to be half the man Peter was ill be a happy man, he’s my idol and I’m so grateful to St. Paul’s because that’s where I had the pleasure of meeting Peter, he’s my best friend and always will be, one of a kind, gone but never ever forgotten x. Rest in peace legend
by Michael Feenan on 27/08/2015 at 11:41 pm #
We had the pleasure of spending a few days in Peters company in Spain at his cousins wedding.we were so impressed by Peter and his 2 brothers.Well mannered and courteous to all and always smiling. His parents should be so proud of themselves as Peter achieved more in his too short life than could be imagined by us.
by Anthony flynn on 29/08/2015 at 1:37 pm #