THE family of the late Finglas rapper Sean ‘Lil Red’ Hughes have thanked the youth of Finglas for their amazing support following his tragic passing earlier this year.
The local community was left devastated in January when the rising star died in Temple Street Hospital after developing the flu and a chest infection.
Sean was just 15-years-old but during his short life he brought fun, laughter and smiles to all who knew him. He left an impression with anybody lucky enough to meet him, including the President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins.
Sean met President Higgins when he visited Coláiste Eoin for the school’s 50th anniversary celebrations and the family received an official letter of condolence from Áras an Uachtaráin after he passed away.
The President later got in touch with the family privately through his Aide-De-Camp and asked if he could make a personal visit to their home in Finglas.
“President Higgins remembered him,” said Sean’s dad, Joe Hughes. “That’s the kind of kid Sean was. He made an impression on everybody.
“President Higgins came to our house on an unofficial visit and then invited us to his house.
“We were allowed bring 10 guests so we went up there with some of Sean’s friends and his cousins on June 20 for a garden party.”
Earlier this month, Sean was remembered at a GAA match played at Erin’s Isle in Finglas South. A combined Erin’s Isle and Ballymun Kickhams team made up with friends of Sean battled it out for a memorial cup.
The match was organised by Sean’s pals, including Sean Lawlor, Mark Tate, Jack Nicolson and Conor Hanny, and the Hughes family are grateful for their efforts.
“They did all the fundraising, they got sponsors for the cup, they got spot prizes, they organised a raffle off their own backs,” said Joe. “Karen and myself asked them if they wanted any help but they did it all on their own.
“It was a great day, with really fantastic people. There was a huge turnout, mostly Sean’s friends and mostly people around his own age.”
Sean’s friends have been a great source of comfort for the Hughes family.
“His pals, male and female, have been coming up to the house and giving us nothing but support and kind words about Sean,” he told Northside People.
“We’re really thankful to the youth of Finglas. All Sean’s friends have been really good to us. The youth of Finglas don’t often get credit but as a family we have nothing but praise for them.”
More tributes to Sean are being planned including a benefit night organised by the Dublin rap community. It’s taking place at The Taproom, Francis Street, Dublin 8 and will be hosted by Deanio Baggio, Cale Smith, Ciara Lennon, Ryan Kavanagh, and Ollie Bell.
Tickets costing €10:50/€12:50 will be available on the door.
