From Lismore to Liverpool FC, Liam Hughes ‘had courage to follow his dreams’

Liam Hughes, a former pupil at Lismore Comprehensive in Craigavon, signed this week for top club Liverpool.

The 6’3 goalkeeper is moving from Celtic FC to Liverpool.

His Head of Year at Lismore, Mrs Mary Downey revealed how he was a star pupil who grew from a bashful 11-year-old to a popular and key figure in the Class of 2020.

Mrs Downey said: “The Lismore school community was both proud and uplifted by the news that our former pupil, Liam Hughes has recently been signed by Liverpool FC.

Liam was an esteemed member of ‘the Class of 2020’.

On behalf of everyone at Lismore may we extend our congratutions and best wishes to Liam as he embarks on this exciting stage of what we hope will be a successful career in the world of professional football.

“As Liam’s Head of Year, I have nothing other than fond memories and words of affirmation to add to those well wishes.

“In my eyes Liam began his school career in September 2013 as an enthusiastic, eager but bashful young year eight pupil.

“We all remember Liam’s sense of humour, his popularity and it was not long before the fair-haired, blushing young man established himself as a key figure in Class 8-66, under the watchful eye of his form tutor Mrs Anne Hanna (a life-long Liverpool fan).

Mrs Hanna recollects with fondness many things about Liam. At school she and I both agree that above all else Liam was and no doubt still is a consummate gentleman.

He was always holding doors open for adults and Mrs Hanna reflects on the many times she took advantage of his height when it came to putting up wall displays or hanging props in the drama studio.

“Words like sport mad, well mannered, good humoured and respectful were often used by Liam’s teachers to summarise his many achievements in both sporting and academic arenas.

“We will never forget the huge sports bag and the sacred football which were placed every morning in Mrs Hanna’s storeroom.

“Too conclude, I often heard it said many years ago by a learned professional who was obviously frustrated by the late legend, Sir Mat Busby: ‘There’s nothing in your head, Mat Busby only football’.

“Well Liam here at Lismore we knew there was lots in your head but football was definitely at the forefront.

“Liam had the courage to follow his heart, intuition and dreams. From an early age you truly knew what you wanted to become and everything else was secondary.

“We are so proud of you and wish you continued success and blessings,” said Mrs Downey.

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