Lewis Patrick (Podge) Hughes

Mr Hughes was my maths teacher at Mount Temple for Junior Cert 2006-2008. He was one of my favourite teachers and I always looked forward to his class. I remember he would walk around the classroom pitching sums and landing them at not-so-unsuspecting students called by any number of nicknames, which we all got a kick out of! Everybody listened in that class. I remember the most beautiful handwriting with which maths was chalked on the board. After Mr Hughes retired, he gave me extra maths classes to help me with my Leaving Cert. In years since, I always enjoyed running into him around Clontarf and having the opportunity to say hello. I will remember him fondly.

An amazing teacher and year head. Mr Hughes always went the extra mile. His kindness and commitment won’t be forgotten. So sorry to hear of your passing, my thoughts are with all who knew him.

So sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Hughes. A fantastic teacher with the sharpest wit to match. He will be missed!

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

A wonderful teacher and man, in and out of the classroom. I owe him so much, for his dedication and his time, as do so many others. Deepest sympathies to all his family and friends.

Dearly loved teacher and mentor, Rest In Peace.

My favourite teacher. Devastated to hear. Always so kind and funny. Such a great character and a wonderful man. RIP Mr Hughes

Such a fabulous teacher and form tutor. Still remember those maths and accountancy classes like they were yesterday. Rest in peace Mr Hughes, you were one of a kind and will always be remembered.

Deepest sympathy to the family, friends, former colleagues and students of our late brother, Gerry's, dearly loved friend Podger. Trish and Dodie.

Saddened to hear of Mr Hughes passing. He was a great man, a gentleman, very funny and inspired you to do very best. He told some amazing cricket stories. It was an honour to have been taught by him over 30 years ago, you never forget those who inspire you and believe in you. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

A wonderful tutor, Maths teacher and incidental cricket coach.... I still remember him teaching us how not to be afraid of the ball... by telling us to throw the ball at his head! He was an inspirational maths teacher who demanded the best from everyone... whatever their best was. I wrote about him in my teacher-training application.

Offering my deepest condolences to the Hughes family and Podge’s close friends. Podge’s oversight in Clontarf Cricket Club allowed me to spend the summers of my teenage years with a great sense of purpose and freedom. I wish I could thank Podge for all he did for me in passing my leaving cert maths exam, but most of all I wish I could tell him that his influence allowed me to form lifelong friendships. I am deeply saddened by his death. To all those who contributed to Podge’s funeral service, thank you, clearly a huge effort was made to capture the essence of the legend that is Podge Hughes.

Very saddend to hear about Mr. Hughes' passing. He was funny, kind, and a wonderful maths teacher. I count myself very lucky to have been in his class over 20 years ago.

So saddened to hear of the passing of my favorite teacher, Mr Hughes. I was so fortunate to have him as my Maths and Accountancy teacher, as my hockey coach, my year head for 5 years and prep supervisor in the evenings. I laughed out loud when Mr Bunworth mentioned in his eulogy the Burrow Beach incident way back in 1983, I think, I remember it well and have recounted that story many times to friends along with his extra help to me with maths and accountancy when I missed 6 weeks of school coming up to the leaving cert. He helped me so much through my years in Mount Temple and I have so many fond memories of this funny, sometimes scary, dedicated man who was respected by everyone who knew him. One time he called me in to see him as I had been seen mitching off school by another teacher, all he said was 'look if you're going to mitch then don't bring (Jo Bloggs) with you as they can't afford to miss school'!! What a hero! It was wonderful to see him 'loping' across the yard when my own children started in Mount Temple. My sincerest condolences to all his family, friends and colleagues, he will be truly missed and will leave an emptiness in so many peoples lives. I wonder if he knew just how much everyone loved his presence in their lives. Rest in Peace Mr Hughes.

Dear Mr Hughes
Thank you. I could understand the complicated maths when you taught me.
Thank you for being such a wonderful year Tutor.
Thank you for a life so well lived.
le grá

Podge always bowled a straight ball: whether on the crease, in the classroom or in life. May he rest in peace. My condolences to the Hughes family and Podge’s many friends and pupils. Jim Casey

Very sad to hear about Mr Hughes. He was a fantastic maths teacher, always going above and beyond to help us, and always with great humor and wit. He taught a lot of us Barbours over the years, as did his Dad, Cyril. A true gent.

So sorry to hear of Mr Hughes passing. He was an amazing teacher and I was privileged to have him teach me maths and accounting. He had an amazing skill of making difficult and complex problems simple and great fun too. He really cared about his pupils and his classes always seemed shorter than others!! It is so lovely to see all the tributes to him which he truly deserves. He was one in a million. May he rest in peace.

Deepest condolences to all of Mr.Hughes’ family and his many close friends. Podge was an exceptional man of humour, generosity, kindness and intellect whose influence on the lives of all who knew him will last long after his parting. Podge, thank you for all your guidance, clips round the ear, and phenomenal patience. May you Rest in Peace.

So sad to hear of the passing of Mr. Hughes but so glad to read all the tributes to a man who touched so many lives. I knew him as a teacher, a hockey coach and a cricket fan. He was a big man who demanded your attention but one who would give that attention back in spades. One of the teachers that made Mount Temple such a great place.

Podge, the only one who sympathised with the state of the library carpet and could tell you every chair and table that should be in there. We had some great chats he was so clever but never made you feel stupid. For the chats the laughs and the crosswords thank you.

So sorry to hear of your loss. Mr Hughes was a wonderful teacher, always willing to go the extra mile.

Deepest sympathy to the Hughes family on the passing of a wonderful gentleman and former colleague. Podge was one of a kind who gave so generously of his time. He was a true mentor and friend to me during my time in Mount Temple. The service this morning was a fitting tribute to the highly respected and humble man that was Podge. RIP

Rest in peace Mr Hughes. So sorry to hear of your passing. An excellent teacher who did his best to make sure no one was left behind. We have fond memories of been in your class and your wry sense of humour. A true character and a very kind man.Deepest sympathies to the Hughes family.

So saddened to hear of the loss of Mr. Hughes. He had a huge impact on so many people. He was a witty, generous and wonderful tutor and maths teacher whose lessons stretched far beyond the classroom. My sincerest condolences to all his family and friends.

Deepest sympathies for your loss. Mr Hughes was an unforgettable teacher, year head and hockey coach.

My heartfelt condolences to the Hughes family on your great loss. There is a huge Podge sized hole in the Clontarf Cricket Club community. A kind-hearted, passionate and private man, who gave so willingly of his time to help others in his own inimitable way. His sense of humour, forthright opinions and gentle smile will live on in our hearts. The wonderful eulogies today touched on his incredible contribution to so many lives. Quite simply one in a million. Rest easy “you little daisy”… we’ll miss you. Xx

One of the most wonderful people i have met. A great cricketer . But above all else a man who did great works for his neighbour. He was kindness in extreme measure. Thank God for his life life and good example to others. Always will be remembered in my prayers.

We are deeply saddened at the passing of dear Podge and extend our love and deepest sympathies to Aedin, Catherine and both families, to Margaret's family also and to Bill and my Godchild Karl, in Australia.
I have wonderful memories of my many happy times and strong friendship with Podge, in Clontarf - which included cricket, hockey and soccer - with Loyola!
Myself & Marie are missing you very much Podge and we thank you for just being the magnificent you, that you were!
Ar Deis Dé go Raibh a Anam Uasal.

My heartfelt condolences to the Hughes Family. It was my privilege to have Mr Hughes as my teacher and tutor, throughout my years in Mount Temple . Such a kind , witty and devoted man to all his pupils and I will remember him with great fondness. Rest in Peace x

It was with great sadness that we attended the funeral service online this morning when fitting tributes were paid to Podge. The family was very sorry to learn of his recent death. It was a privilege to work with Podge for many years in Mount Temple. His kindness to our daughters in the lead up to the Leaving Cert meant a lot to us all. The beautiful service brought back many happy memories. We hope that his family can take comfort in such memories in the days ahead.
May he rest in peace.

Mr Hughes was my tutor (year head), my maths teacher, my accountancy teacher, my hockey coach, and quite simply the most wonderful and inspiring teacher I have ever known. He gave me extra classes in the evenings because he knew I could do better, and wouldn't even accept a thank you for it. As our tutor, my year loved and respected him, because we knew he minded and respected us. He was kind and witty, he wrote all over that rotating blackboard, and drew perfect circles on the board, and insisted on the correct way to write a x in maths equations. He was the the kind of teacher that I aspire to be. My deepest and heartfelt sympathies to all of his family.

One of life's great people. So sad that Podge has left this world. He made a huge impact on me and so many others.
His wit, patience and giving nature will always be remebered and appreciated.
Rest in peace Mr.Hughes. I'm privileged to have been taught by you during my time in Mount Temple. Thank you.

So sorry for your loss. Podge will be sadly missed by everyone on Dunseverick Road, a true gentleman.

An amazing teacher and an even greater person, who played such an important role as a mentor in many of our lives. You will be missed by all.

My deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the Hughes family. Podge was a brilliant teacher always challenging and encouraging his students to make the best use of their talents whether academically or on the sports field. Privileged to have been his student and to have been coached by him. We have lost a brilliant teacher, great coach and inspiring mentor. May he rest in peace.

The tributes from former students and colleagues show how Podge helped so many people very unobtrusively. I was glad to know him. A good man.

Dear Podge, fondly remembered colleague and so many great chats about cricket, and politics and religion and school - I expected you back after Covid - and I am so sorry you have been taken from us so suddenly.You are such a part of Mount Temple. With affection. Brendan

My prayers and condolences are with the Hugh's family. May God's comfort and peace be upon you all. May Podge Rest In Peace

I've never known anyone to have such an impact on so many people. The outpouring of such lovely messages of how much he meant to so many people is phenomenal. He had such a kind, caring personality and was an excellent teacher and tutor to so many of us at Mount Temple over the years. I'll never forget his lovely smile. Rest in peace Mr Hughes, it was a pleasure to have known you. You'll never be forgotten that's for sure!!

On behalf of Dave, myself, Russell, Davy and Kathy Banks thank you dear friend for allowing us to be part of your life, for looking after our children through their years In Mount Temple and beyond..for your quiet kindness, your wonderful sense of humour and your amusement at the ridiculousness of life and of course that wicked smile. To say that we all loved you and will miss you so much does nto cover what is in all our hearts. You simply were one of a kind and we will hold you forever in our hearts. I remember when we first got to know you in the Clontarf Cricket Club in the early 1980s when we had a three legged German Shepherd to whom you often gave a rendition of 'A 4 legged friend' to the amusement of the dog, the kids and the parents and everyone else.. God Bless you and rest in peace. Fran, Dave, Russell, Davy and Kathy..

To live in the hearts of those we leave behind is not to die. Fondly remembered.

Deepest condolences to all “Mr Hughes” family a friends. A past pupil who received support, leadership and advice from an empathic brilliant man. One of a kind, who will be sorely missed, but a pleasure to have crossed paths with RIP Podge.

Condolences on the passing of “Mr Hughes” to all his family and friends. A past pupil who received great support, leadership and advice from a empathic brilliant man. He is a huge loss to one and all, but pleasure to have crossed paths with. RIP Podge.

A legend. A powerful positive influence and educator in my time spent as a student in Mount temple. Quietly giving of his time coaching hockey and all the fun and laughs training and travelling to matches every wed and Saturday. Mum's (Thelma) great friend and support, as together they founded Clontarf Hockey Club. For that alone we have so much to be grateful for. A privilege to have known you Podge. All those wise kind insightful conversations we had, prepared me well for life beyond Mount temple. You will be missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace Podger.

Deepest sympathies to the family and many friends of Mr. Podge Hughes - a colleague, friend and teacher who left a lasting impression on those he taught, coached and worked along side. RIP

My condolences to the family and friends of Podge Hughes. As a past pupil, I was lucky to have had him as a tutor and teacher. Such a lovely caring man who showed interest in his students and their wellbeing. R.I.P. Mr. Hughes.

Sincere condolences to the Hughes family on the loss of Podge. The world is a poorer place with his passing.

RIP to a truly great maths teacher and brilliant man who has had a lasting positive impact on students, myself included.

It was with great sadness that we heard of Podge's death. Our sympathies are with all the Hughes family.
When I entered the old staff room in Mountjoy school in September of 1972 - one of only 2 female teachers that year - I still have a clear memory of not only Podge but his Dad Cyril, both making me feel really welcome. Initially I felt the men on this staff were all such gentlemen but, as time went on (a couple of days), the humour and devilment was often led by Podge. He encouraged me to take the armchair nearest the fire and enjoyed the look I got from the person who usually sat there! Always available for a query to be answered. Fantastic colleague. I don't know if he ever read the R. F. Delderfield book 'To Serve Them All My Days'. He clearly did.

Sincere condolences to the Hughes family on the sad passing of Podge. Like so many others he had a huge influence on my youth within his many roles from Maths teacher to Hockey Coach to cricket team mate. I feel very honoured to have know such a truly great and selfless man.

Making you smile in & outside of the classroom was a mission I had. I'm sure a lot of us had because you were sometimes particularly grouchy! Ah but when you smiled, you lit up the room and we all felt the benefit.
You've served selflessly in so many ways both in and outside the classroom. In Maths, Cricket, Hockey & so many other activities. I'll miss seeing you in the local SuperValu and I hope you are at peace with God now and that all those who knew, loved & learned from you take great comfort in the legacy you have left with us.

Sincere condolences to the Hughes family. A marvellous and witty Maths colleague for nearly 30 years. RIP Podge.

Sincere condolences to the Hughes family. Podge was a wonderful hockey and cricket coach but most importantly a kind friend. He had the biggest heart and will be deeply missed.

Sincere condolences to Hughes Family on passing of Podge. RIP

Thank you Mr.Hughes for giving and giving, you shaped my girls for ever, they stand on your shoulders along with all those who were blessed to be taught by you. They and I will never forget you. The energy never dies.

Fondest memories and with deepest sympathy Pat,
He was the first hello every morning when I owned the green door florist many years ago.
Dara and family.

A wonderful fun maths teacher to me, and my coach for years on the Hockey pitch where I made the best of friends and fabulous memories ! You will be sadly missed Podger.

On behalf of Portrane (St Itas) Hockey Club I wish to convey our sincere sympathy to the Hughes family on the passing of Podge . Podge played for our club in the sixties and was a member of the side (centre forward) who won the Mills Cup in 1964 . May he rest in peace .

On behalf of Clontarf Hockey Club, I express our sincere and heartfelt sympathies to Podge Hughes' family and friends.

Podge was an integral part in the formation of Clontarf Ladies Hockey Club. No words can cover the depth and breadth of his dedication and commitment to the Club. We owe a great debt of gratitude to Podge, without whom we would not be the Club we are today.

Our thoughts are with all of his family and friends at this very sad time. May he rest in peace.

Thanks Podge for being so helpful to our daughter Catherine when she was teaching in .Mount Temple. Sincere condolences to the Hughes family. May Podge rest in peace.