... a man with his background would not have been allowed to lecture or study. By 1954 Hughes was head of the Geography dept. were he remained on his own for a further 10yrs. Hughes was the complete Geographer never straying to other disciplines or areas of study, unlike Evens who took an active interest in archaeology. Hughes' contribution to Irish Geography particularly historical geography in the 19th century should not be under-estimated, as he sought to gain a greater insight into the social geography of that period primarily through documentation's and features in the physical landscape. His extensive knowledge of the Irish landscape widened continuously by virtue of his willingness to travel throughout the country taking in every detail of the surroundings, through his students but primarily through his use of the Griffith Valuations. Just as Petty will forever be associated with the infamous 'Downs survey', Hughes name is synonymous ...

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