Phillip Hughes farewelled by thousands at Macksville funeral

Phillip Hughes was remembered at his funeral in his home town of Macksville on Wednesday as a champion cricketer who left the bush for the big smoke but never forgot his roots.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, cricket greats Shane Warne and Brian Lara and the current Australian team were among thousands who poured into Macksville High School to pay their respects to the fallen cricketer.

Phillip Hughes farewelled by thousands at Macksville funeral - Executive Salad — Phillip Hughes farewelled by thousands at Macksville funeral – Executive Salad

They were told stories of how Hughes fell in love with the game of cricket, achieved his dream of wearing the baggy green and set the goal of owning his own cattle-breeding business upon retirement.

Although the late batsman was known at home and internationally for his deeds on the field, to those outside the sport he loved he was a devoted son, brother, friend, family member and cattle-breeding enthusiast.

“I’m not a cricket person,” Corey Ireland, Hughes’ business partner and fellow cattle lover, told mourners after stepping up to the lectern. He then recalled how Hughes had approached him 12 months ago with an idea.