The Mayo Masters, making history
A unique historical occasion, took place in Milebush Park, Castlebar on Saturday the 29th October when the Mayo Soccer Masters take on the Mayo GAA Masters, for the Tony McHugh Memorial Cup. Yes it happened, a game of soccer between the two major sporting organisations in the county.
The two Captains leading their sides out for the historic occasion, Eric O'Reilly and Martin "Ginger" McLaughlin.
It was a historic occasion in many ways, whoever thought, we would see the day. The Mayo Association Football League were delighted to host this event. The winner received the Tony McHugh Memorial Cup which was presented by the Mayo Emigrants Liaison Committee, in appreciation for all the work that Tony 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.
Eric, Harry and Sean, post match photo call.
Tony, as everyone knew was a great sponsor to many organisations, including the Mayo Association Football League, Mayo County GAA team and the County 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 Men’s 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 the patients in the hospital.
The Captain of the Mayo League Masters was Eric O’Reilly along with Harry Reilly and Sean Walsh from the club played their part in the historical occasion.
The final score was: Mayo League Masters 2 Mayo G.A.A. Masters 1
Captain, Eric had the Mayo league Masters in front after two minutes and five minutes later Mick Mullee (Claremorris) made it 2-0. In the second half the Mayo G.A.A. Masters pulled one back with Tim Moriarity penalty (Kilmovee).
After the game, both teams proceeded to the Welcome Inn Hotel for the Presentation of the Cup.
(Proceeds in aid of Rehab, Castlebar)