Published Friday, 16 December 2011
Huge crowds watched as the 35-year-old's coffin was carried by his former Crossmaglen Rangers teammates to St Patrick's Church for requiem mass.
Father of three Mr Hughes, who had won three all-Ireland medals with the club, was gunned down inside a taxi in Dundalk, Co Louth, last weekend.
His friends and fellow players formed a guard of honour as the cortege passed to the church from his home, stopping briefly outside the clubhouse where he played and was a supporter for 20 years.
Behind walked his heartbroken partner Jenny, arm in arm with his father James.
Mourners heard Parish priest Father Joseph McKeever pay tribute to well-loved local man at the midday service.
"A friend whose open-heartedness, kindness, cheer and good nature made many blessed to have his friendship," Fr McKeever said.
"As fiercely competitive as he was when he donned the Cross jersey, in his social life, and in his attitude and treatment of others off the field, he preferred harmony and helpfulness, building people up with the sheer force of his wonderful personality and his warm character."
Cross veteran Oisin McConville also addressed mourners with a tribute to his friend.
Co Monaghan man Shane Rogers, 32, of Deery Terrace, Inniskeen, has been charged with the murder of Mr Hughes.
But Fr McKeever said there must be no retribution for the killing, which "shattered" the family and sent shockwaves of grief through the south Armagh town.
He continued: "Today, as we honour James's memory and pray for our community in these dark days, we must also pray that none of us will dishonour that precious memory with thoughts or words of recrimination or incitement."
Mr Hughes was buried in the adjoining cemetery after the requiem mass.