Welcome to the first our series entitled 'A five minute tribute to...' Why five minutes? Well it's a challenge to the author more than anything. Each week a member of the Balls team will have five minutes to write a tribute to a sports star they feel needs to be celebrated.
No long-winded homages, no in-depth analysis; like a good mini-skirt it needs to be a tribute that's short enough to keeps things interesting but long enough to cover the important parts. So without further ado, let me introduce this week's legend.....
Eugene 'Nudie' Hughes
Who is he?
A former footballer from Monaghan who played for his county between 1979 and 1991. He is now a colour commentator with Northern Sound.
Why the tribute?
For a start, he has perhaps the best nickname in GAA history. He sounds more like a farmer with penchant for stipping than he does a footballer but Nudie Hughes is one of Monaghan's best ever players.
He began as a corner back but his fitness and keen eye for goal meant that it wasn't long until he was converted into the forward line. By 1991 he had won three All Stars. One in defence and two in the forward line.
Where's the video evidence?
The bould Nudie picks it up near the sideline and scores a peach of point.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrJygfANdIU
That score, however, is nothing in comparison to the 'mighty point' he got in the 1985 All Ireland semi-final.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nfr1ulHfD1M
Finally, here's Nudie scoring the winning goal in the 1988 Ulster final against Tyrone. To be honest, the goalkeeper helped him out a lot here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXL8qv5VSgc
Closing statement
If I'm being truthful there's not a whole pile of Nudie Hughes footage on YouTube but that is to said website's detriment. While Hughes may not have much presence online, he will never be forgotten by the Monaghan fans who witnessed him in full flight.
And sure with the Ulster final on Sunday, isn't it a perfect weekend to pay tribute to him?
Best of luck to Monaghan GAA SFC in the Ulster Final on Sunday! 92 years since they've played three consecutive Ulster Finals in a row...Hon Da Farney!
Posted by Along Came A Spider: Video Content Creators on Tuesday, 14 July 2015
