THE GREATEST – TEARS AND TRIBUTES FLOW AT PASSING OF ‘BLAYNEY GAA LEGEND

PETER HUGHES

The tributes flowed as copiously as the tears this week when the death of Castleblayney’s Eugene ‘Nudie’ Hughes, widely regarded as the greatest Gaelic footballer player Co Monaghan has ever produced, was learned of. Hailing from York Street in Castleblayney, Mr Hughes passed away peacefully at his home in Finglas in Dublin on Monday. A pivotal member of the Monaghan senior football team that captured the National League title in 1985, Nudie also won an Ulster title with his county and two with his Castleblayney Faughs club.

He was Co Monaghan’s first ever All-Star in 1979 in the corner-back position, and went on to win two further All-Stars at corner- forward in 1985 and 1989, placing him in an elite group of players to receive this recognition for both defensive and attacking prowess. He also won a Railway Cup medal for Ulster in 1984. His enduring place in the pantheon of the game was reflected in 2024 when the Gaelic Players Association honoured him with a lifetime achievement award. Diagnosed with cancer in 2018, the ‘Blayney man endured his long illness with trademark positivity and tireless support for others who were sharing his journey. His Funeral Mass took place this, Thursday morning at St Mary’s Church, Castleblayney, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. His career and the tributes that…