Eugene 'Nudie' Hughes Collection opens at GAA Museum
Former Ard Stiúrthóir of the GAA Páraic Duffy pictured with the Eugene 'Nudie' Hughes Collection at the GAA Museum in Croke Park. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
By John Harrington
A huge crowd attended the opening of the Eugene ‘Nudie’ Hughes Collection at the GAA Museum in Croke Park today.
The three-time All-Star, widely considered to be Monaghan’s greatest ever footballer, passed away last year after a long and brave battle with cancer.
His illness did nothing to diminish his positive nature, and it was this colourful personality as much as his footballing ability that speakers such as Paraic Duffy, Eamonn McEneaney, Sean Boylan, Pat McEnaney, and Declan Loughman fondly remembered at today’s event.
Teresa Rehill, widow of Nudie Hughes, pictured at the opening of his exhibition in the GAA Museum. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
The collection was officially opened by GAA President, Jarlath Burns, who lauded Hughes as something special both on and off the pitch.
“The fact that there are so many people here today is such a tribute to ‘Nudie’,” said Burns.
“Many players are honoured here and many of them were players who could win games themselves, but only a small group of players can win hearts and Nudie was certainly someone who could win peoples' hearts.”
Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns speaking at the opening of the 'Nudie' Hughes Collection at the GAA Museum in Croke Park. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile.
Hughes was Monaghan’s first ever All-Star winner in 1979 and picked up two more awards in 1985 and 1989.
It’s a testament to his all-round ability that his first All-Star came in the corner-back position with the second two coming as a corner-forward.
All three awards are among the GAA Museum collection which is now open to the public.