Profile of Volunteer Michael "Sticky" Hughes

Michael was born in Banbridge, County Down on 28th June 1958. He was the oldest of seven children born to Patrick and Teresa. He had one brother called John and five sisters, Kate, Elizabeth, Angela, Lorraine and Patricia. Michael began his school life at St Peter’s primary school Cloughreagh. He did well at school and moved on to the Abbey CBS Newry and then to St Joseph’s on the Armagh Road Newry. His teenage were thrown into turmoil when he had to come to terms with the death of his father Patsy (also an IRA volunteer), who was tragically killed in an accidental explosion on the Dublin Road Newry. His father’s death had a huge impact on the young Michael.

From an early age Michael was active on the streets against the Crown forces and it was then that he decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and join the ranks of Óglaigh na hÉireann. He became heavily involved in armed actions in the Derrybeg area and his leadership qualities soon impressed his comrades around him. He was a close friend and comrade of Volunteer Eddie “Starchy” Grant who also died in action as a result of an accidental explosion on Christmas Eve 1973.

As well as being an active volunteer with the IRA, Michael or “Sticky” as he was known to friends, also enjoyed his social life. He was a frequent visitor to the local community centre. His distinctive ginger hair made him easily recognizable to all. He enjoyed football and was also interested in reading books about Irish history. Being the oldest child Michael quickly realized that he would have to seek employment to assist his mother in the upbringing of the family. He secured a full time job in the near-by Nylon factory on the Armagh Road, but sadly had only completed two full weeks work when he was killed.

On Friday 18th October 1974, Volunteer Michael Hughes, while on active service for the IRA, was shot dead on a commandeered Ulsterbus, by members of the British Army. He was only 16 years of age. On the day of his funeral, his comrades marched along Main Avenue, Derrybeg Park in military formation in a fitting tribute to a soldier of the Irish Republican Army.

Volunteer Michael Hughes will forever be remembered with pride by his loving family, friends and comrades in the Republican Movement.