Mayo League
Mayo Soccer Masters v Mayo Gaa Masters
By Pat Quigley
29, Oct 2011 - 08:29

A unique occasion, will take place in Milebush Park on  Saturday 29 Oct at 2:30pm when the Mayo Soccer Masters take on the Mayo GAA Masters, for the Tony McHugh Memorial Cup.

Yes it's happening, a game of soccer between the two major sporting organisations in the county.

This will be a historic occasion in many ways, whoever thought, we would see the day. The Mayo Association Football League are delighted to host this event.

The winners will receive the Tony McHugh Memorial Cup which is being presented by the Mayo Emigrants Liaison Committee, in appreciation for all the work that he did during his short life, for numerous organisations, which Tony was involved with, along with Kevin Bourke from Rehab and Joe O'Dea, Manager of the Welcome Inn Hotel. Tony ran monthly dances for Irish people in London, so they had a contact place to meet other Irish emigrants, and in many cases acquired work. It is reckoned that Tony got hundreds of people, jobs during the last recession, who found themselves going across the water to get work, much like it is at present.

Tony, as everyone knew was a great sponsor to many organisations, including the Mayo Association Football League, Mayo Co GAA team and the Co Board, Castlebar Mitchells, and Castlebar Rugby Club, and Parke GAA club. He was a member of the Mayo Supporters Club since 1989.
Away from sport he was a strong supporter of the Castlebar Mens Association, and indeed anything that had to do with his home town or county.

As a member of the Friends of the Sacred Heart Hospital, it was possible to see him handing out the Sunday papers each Sunday and the Connaught Telegraph on Wednesday, this was done, out of his own pocket, a wonderful gesture to to the patients in the hospital.

Tony, had some sporting conquests as well, He played in the second row for Castlebar Rugby club, but always preferred to play with the second team, as he reckoned there was much better crack, than playing for the first team, He loved shooting, diving, fishing, but his favourite was cycling with his buddy Ger Feeney ( RIP ), they both cycled for many different voluntary organisations, collecting funds.

It is hoped that both Soccer and GAA supporters alike will come to Milebush Park next Saturday, for this historic event.

Everyone is welcome, admission is FREE , with a bucket collection taking place on the day in aid of REHAB.

After the game, both teams will proceed to the Welcome Inn Hotel for the Presentation of the Cup and also the annoncements of The People of the Year Awards by Rehab.

See you all in Milebush Park, Saturday 29 Oct at 2:30.