Martin McHugh: Born to Save

MARTIN MCHUGH IS ONE OF THE TRUE GREATS of Leitrim and Connacht football. He was goalkeeper in 1994 when the county enjoyed their most historic year, winning the Connacht title under John O’Mahony – and he has never retired. At 50 years of age, he is still keeping goal with men half of his age. Twice, however, he has had to show even greater courage in fighting cancer, and his battle to survive has been an inspiration for GAA players and supporters throughout the country. McHugh admits that football has saved his life, but he has remained the ‘saviour’ in helping teams in his native Leitrim, and Cavan, gain the ultimate reward by lifting county championships. For the last two years, he has also had a fight on his hands, taking his place in the front line amongst the healthcare workers in Sligo General Hospital.