Born in Mountbellew, County Galway, Hughes served his Gaelic football apprenticeship with the local club, moving upwards through the grades. An injury prevented him from appearing for the Galway minor team; however, he later spent three years with the under-21 side. He made his senior debut in various tournament games in 1973. Hughes played a key role in defence over the next decade, and won five Connacht medals, one National Football League medal and two All-Star awards.