A unique occasion will take place in Milebush Park on Saturday at 2.30pm when the Mayo Soccer Masters take on the Mayo GAA Masters for the Tony McHugh Memorial Cup. The Tony McHugh Memorial Cup 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, 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.
Tony, as everyone knew, was a great sponsor to many organisations, including the Mayo Association Football League, the Mayo GAA team and the County Board, Castlebar Mitchels, and Castlebar Rugby Club, and Parke GAA club. He was a member of the Mayo Supporters Club since 1989.
As a member of the Friends of the Sacred Heart Hospital it was possible to see him handing out the Sunday papers each Sunday. This was done out of his own pocket, a wonderful gesture to the patients in the hospital.
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 announcements of The People of the Year Awards by Rehab.
