John McHugh, RIP; the Mullingar man behind leading TV shows
A Mullingar man who was behind several flagship television programmes in Ireland and the UK for more than four decades, John McHugh, has died. He passed away peacefully on March 5, surrounded by his loving family, at Our Lady’s Hospice, Harold’s Cross.
John was son of Una and the late Owen McHugh, who ran a McHugh’s Supermarket and The Tavern Bar in Pearse Street, Mullingar, for many years.
He joined RTÉ in the 1980s as a researcher and worked on programmes such as The Late Late Show with Gay Byrne, including the legendary Dubliners Special. He was head of delegation for the Eurovision Song Contest in 1993 in Millstreet, Cork, when ‘In Your Eyes’, performed by Niamh Kavanagh, won. He went on to produce programmes and live events such as the 1995 Eurovision Song Contest, Kenny Live and Tubridy Tonight.
John then joined Channel 4 in London, becoming head of entertainment, before moving to the BBC, where he held senior roles on the entertainment team. He returned to Ireland in 2007 to become chief executive of independent producer Tyrone Productions for five years, during which time he was executive producer on programmes for RTÉ including The All Ireland Talent Show, Ireland’s Greatest, and Gaybo.
John returned to RTÉ as executive producer of The Late Late Show in 2012. The following year he was appointed head of entertainment and later group head of entertainment and music, a position he held until 2022. In that role, he was responsible for a range of popular programmes including The Late Late Show, Ireland’s Fittest Family, The Voice of Ireland, Dancing with the Stars, and The Saturday Night Show.
RTÉ paid tribute to John, expressing deep sadness at “the very sad news of the death of our friend and colleague, John McHugh”. “John was an exceptionally talented creative leader who shaped and brought many high profile and cherished shows to audiences here and in the UK. He had a deep understanding of and commitment to public service broadcasting. John was hugely popular with colleagues, guiding and supporting others at all stages of their careers,” the RTÉ tribute stated.
John, who lived in Kilmainham, Dublin, was predeceased by his father Owen, brother Brendan and niece Katie. He will be deeply and greatly missed by his devoted family Pauline and Cilian Macnamara, his mother Una, siblings Eoin and Clare, father-in-law Philip, sisters and brothers in-law Mary, Hilary, Ruth, Judy, John, David, Stephen and their partners, his much loved and adoring nieces, nephews and godchildren, extended family, colleagues and his wide circle of friends.
John reposed at Fanagan’s Funeral Home, Lower Kimmage Road, Dublin. Funeral Service to celebrate his life was held at the Victorian Chapel, Mount Jerome Crematorium, Harold’s Cross, followed by cremation.