# Mark McHugh

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Donegal Gaelic footballer

For the rugby player of the same name, see [Mark McHugh (rugby union)](/source/Mark_McHugh_(rugby_union)).

Mark McHugh Personal information Native name Marc Mac Aodh (Irish) Born (1990-08-22) 22 August 1990 (age 35) Letterkenny, Ireland Occupation Business Development Manager at Print Supplies Height 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) Sport Sport Gaelic football Position Right half forward Club Years Club 2007– Cill Chartha Club titles Donegal titles 1 Inter-county Years County 2009–2018 Donegal Inter-county titles Ulster titles 3 All-Irelands 1 NFL 0 All Stars 1 Inter-county management Years Team 2025– Westmeath Inter-county titles as manager County League Province All-Ireland Westmeath 1

**Mark McHugh** (born 22 August 1990) is an Irish [Gaelic footballer](/source/Gaelic_football), coach and [manager](/source/Manager_(Gaelic_games)). He has been manager of the senior [Westmeath county team](/source/Westmeath_county_football_team) since 2025.

McHugh played for [Cill Chartha](/source/CLG_Chill_Chartha) and the [Donegal county team](/source/Donegal_county_football_team). He has won one [All-Ireland Senior Football Championship](/source/All-Ireland_Senior_Football_Championship) title ([2012](/source/2012_All-Ireland_Senior_Football_Championship_final)) and three [Ulster Senior Football Championship](/source/Ulster_Senior_Football_Championship) titles ([2011](/source/2011_Ulster_Senior_Football_Championship), [2012](/source/2012_Ulster_Senior_Football_Championship) and [2018](/source/2018_Ulster_Senior_Football_Championship)) as a player. As a manager, he has won one [Leinster Senior Football Championship](/source/Leinster_Senior_Football_Championship). He is the brother of [Ryan](/source/Ryan_McHugh) and the son of [Martin](/source/Martin_McHugh_(Gaelic_footballer)).

## Early life and family

McHugh is the son of Patrice and the brother of Rachel.[1] He is also the son of [Martin](/source/Martin_McHugh_(Gaelic_footballer)), the [BBC](/source/BBC) television analyst and All-Ireland SFC [winner](/source/1992_All-Ireland_Senior_Football_Championship_final) in [1992](/source/1992_All-Ireland_Senior_Football_Championship_final). He was born the Wednesday after his father's Donegal side was defeated by [Meath](/source/Meath_county_football_team) in the semi-final of the [1990 All-Ireland SFC](/source/1990_All-Ireland_Senior_Football_Championship).[2]

Mark McHugh's brother, [Ryan](/source/Ryan_McHugh), also plays for the Donegal team, though he was playing for the county minors when Mark won the 2012 All-Ireland SFC.[3] In 2016, the year he won his first award, Ryan joined Mark, and their father Martin, as an All Star winner.[1]

Mark's uncle, [James](/source/James_McHugh_(Gaelic_footballer)), also played in the 1992 All-Ireland SFC final and received an All Star in 1992. James's son, [Eoin](/source/Eoin_McHugh), also played for Donegal up to, and including, senior level.

Mark McHugh's dog Miley was photographed inside the [Sam Maguire Cup](/source/Sam_Maguire_Cup).[4] Miley is named after [J. R. Ewing](/source/J._R._Ewing)'s dog from the American TV show *[Dallas](/source/Dallas_(TV_series))*.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

## Playing career

### Club

In his early career, McHugh admitted his club did not have many big games.[5]

He won the [2017 Donegal Senior Football Championship](/source/2017_Donegal_Senior_Football_Championship), scoring the opening point in the first minute of the final. It was the first time his club had won the title in 24 years, having been defeated by [Glenswilly](/source/Glenswilly_GAA) at the same stage the [previous year](/source/2016_Donegal_Senior_Football_Championship).[6]

He has also played as a [goalkeeper](/source/Goalkeeper_(Gaelic_games)) for his club.[7]

### Inter-county

#### Underage

McHugh did not play at minor level, what with the [Leaving Certificate](/source/Leaving_Certificate_(Ireland)) and a broken [collar bone](/source/Clavicle).[5]

He played for Donegal throughout the 2010 [Ulster Under-21 Football Championship](/source/Ulster_Under-21_Football_Championship) campaign, a competition which the team won and in the final of which McHugh assisted [Dermot Molloy](/source/Dermot_Molloy) in his team's second goal.[8][9] He then played in the final of the [2010 All-Ireland Under-21 Football Championship](/source/2010_All-Ireland_Under-21_Football_Championship), which Donegal (managed by [Jim McGuinness](/source/Jim_McGuinness)) narrowly lost to [Dublin](/source/Dublin_county_football_team) (managed by [Jim Gavin](/source/Jim_Gavin_(footballer))), though McHugh scored one point in that match.[10]

#### Senior

#### Jim McGuinness: 2010–14

McHugh made his senior championship debut as a substitute against [Down](/source/Down_county_football_team) in Ballybofey in 2010.[5] Under Jim McGuinness, his former manager at under-21 level, McHugh was part of the team that won the [2011 Ulster Senior Football Championship](/source/2011_Ulster_Senior_Football_Championship), and played in the final against [Derry](/source/Derry_county_football_team).[11][12]

McHugh returned to the Ulster SFC final in 2012 in his third campaign,[13][14][15] winning a second Ulster SFC title and scoring 0–2 against [Down](/source/Down_county_football_team) in the final.[16] He was man of the match in the Ulster final.[17] He then helped Donegal all the way to the [2012 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final](/source/2012_All-Ireland_Senior_Football_Championship_final), in which he played.[18] Donegal won.[19] After that game he said, "The woman I'm going to have to marry is going to have to be very, very good to top this day off for me".[20] McHugh sang his wee heart out at the homecoming when he joined in with Rory Gallagher on "[Jimmy's Winning Matches](/source/Jimmy's_Winning_Matches)".

McHugh won an All Star and attended the Football Tour of New York.[21]

McHugh missed Donegal's [2013 National Football League](/source/2013_National_Football_League_(Ireland)) campaign with a [pelvis](/source/Pelvis) injury.[22] He returned for the [2013 Ulster SFC](/source/2013_Ulster_Senior_Football_Championship) campaign, but was forced off injured early in the final, after a collision with [Stephen Gollogly](/source/Stephen_Gollogly) of [Monaghan](/source/Monaghan_county_football_team), and was hospitalised as a result.[23][24] He was ruled out for a month with the multiple injuries Gollogly's rough play gave him, including [concussion](/source/Concussion), a [perforated eardrum](/source/Perforated_eardrum) and a [quad muscle](/source/Quadriceps_femoris_muscle) injury.[25][26]

McHugh made a substitute appearance against Monaghan in the [2014 National Football League](/source/2014_National_Football_League_(Ireland)) Division 2 final at Croke Park. Three days later, it was confirmed that McHugh was one of four players to have left the Donegal county panel, less than a month before the county's [2014 Ulster SFC](/source/2014_Ulster_Senior_Football_Championship) game against Derry.[27] Later he admitted, "I just needed a break. I wasn't enjoying what I was doing and me being there didn't help the mood in the camp. And I thought its [*[sic](/source/Sic)*] not good for me being here and it's probably not good for other players so I stepped away. Going away was a decision I made and I knew I wouldn't be in the team if I stepped away. I made that decision."[28] He spent his time away from the team in New York.[29] He thus missed out on the [2014 Ulster SFC](/source/2014_Ulster_Senior_Football_Championship) campaign, which Donegal won.[30] In his absence Donegal also qualified for a second All-Ireland SFC final in three years, with McHugh's brother [Ryan](/source/Ryan_McHugh) helping himself to two goals [against Dublin in the semi-final](/source/Donegal_v_Dublin_(2014_All-Ireland_Senior_Football_Championship)) after being left to the bus by Mark, who sat by "and watched as he became a household name in one afternoon".[29] Ahead of the final, McHugh the Elder admitted he was "looking forward to… rebuilding for next year of myself and the club championship, playing well and hopefully with Jim next year or whoever that may be and ask me back into the panel. [*[sic](/source/Sic)*]"[28]

#### Bonner–McGuinness interim: 2014–17

With [Rory Gallagher](/source/Rory_Gallagher_(Gaelic_footballer)) having succeeded Jim McGuinness as manager of Donegal, McHugh rejoined the county panel ahead of the [2015 season](/source/2015_Donegal_county_football_team_season).[31] He started the opening fixture of the [2015 National Football League](/source/2015_National_Football_League_(Ireland)) at home to Derry.[32] He also started the next game against Dublin at Croke Park, the third fixture against Cork in [Ballyshannon](/source/Ballyshannon), the fourth fixture against Monaghan and the fifth fixture against Kerry.[33][34][35][36] He appeared as a substitute for his own brother in the sixth fixture against Tyrone.[37] He also appeared as a substitute in the seventh fixture against Mayo.[38]

Ahead of the [2015 Ulster SFC](/source/2015_Ulster_Senior_Football_Championship), McHugh cracked his [ribs](/source/Rib) while playing a game with his club and was also having difficulty with a [quad](/source/Quadriceps_femoris_muscle) injury which had not properly healed.[39] He made a substitute appearance in the preliminary round against Tyrone, started the quarter-final against Armagh and made a substitute appearance in the semi-final against Derry.[40][41][42] He then started the 2015 Ulster SFC final.[43] He also started the [2015 All-Ireland SFC](/source/2015_All-Ireland_Senior_Football_Championship) qualifier defeat of Galway at Croke Park, and the next game against Mayo at the same venue.[44][45]

McHugh was included in the [2016 Dr McKenna Cup](/source/2016_Dr_McKenna_Cup) squad but was later reported to be training away from the team, with the manager stating: ""At present he is not in the squad… He is working on his own individual strength and conditioning programme under our supervision".[46] He made a substitute appearance against [Roscommon](/source/Roscommon_county_football_team) in the fifth fixture of the [2016 National Football League](/source/2016_National_Football_League_(Ireland)).[47] He made further substitute appearances in the sixth and seventh fixtures, against Dublin at Croke Park and Monaghan in [Castleblayney](/source/Castleblayney) respectively.[48][49]

McHugh made a substitute appearance in the [2016 Ulster SFC](/source/2016_Ulster_Senior_Football_Championship) final.[50] He had previously made substitute appearances in the quarter-final against Fermanagh, in the semi-final against Monaghan and in the semi-final replay against the same opposition (scoring 0–1 in the latter game).[51][52][53] McHugh also made a substitute appearance in the [2016 All-Ireland SFC](/source/2016_All-Ireland_Senior_Football_Championship) qualifier defeat of Cork at Croke Park.[54]

McHugh made a substitute appearance in the second fixture of the [2017 National Football League](/source/2017_National_Football_League_(Ireland)) away to Roscommon.[55] He made a substitute appearance for his own cousin in the fourth fixture against Cavan.[56] He made another substitute appearance in the fifth fixture against Tyrone.[57] He made an early substitute appearance in the sixth fixture against Monaghan.[58] He made another substitute appearance in the seventh fixture against Mayo.[59]

McHugh made a substitute appearance in the [2017 Ulster SFC](/source/2017_Ulster_Senior_Football_Championship) quarter-final against Antrim, and scored 0–1.[60] He made another substitute appearance in the [2017 All-Ireland SFC](/source/2017_All-Ireland_Senior_Football_Championship) qualifier defeat of Meath at [Páirc Tailteann](/source/P%C3%A1irc_Tailteann).[61] He then started the qualifier loss to Galway at [Markievicz Park](/source/Markievicz_Park).[62]

#### Declan Bonner: 2017–18

Under the management of [Declan Bonner](/source/Declan_Bonner), McHugh made a substitute appearance against Galway in the second fixture of the [2018 National Football League](/source/2018_National_Football_League_(Ireland)).[63] He started against Dublin in the third game and against Kildare in the fourth game.[64][65] In the fifth game against Tyrone (another start), McHugh scored a point.[66] A further start followed in the sixth game against Monaghan, and a substitute appearance in the seventh game against Mayo.[67][68]

McHugh won his third and final Ulster SFC in [2018](/source/2018_Ulster_Senior_Football_Championship), appearing as second half substitute in the final against Fermanagh and scoring a point.[69] He had previously made substitute appearances in the preliminary round against Cavan, the quarter-final against Derry and the semi-final against Down, scoring a point in the semi-final.[70][71][72] McHugh did not return after the winter.[73] Alongside clubmates [Ciaran McGinley](/source/Ciaran_McGinley) and [Stephen McBrearty](/source/Stephen_McBrearty), he opted out the Donegal panel for the [2019 season](/source/2019_Donegal_county_football_team_season).[74]

### Inter-provincial

McHugh played for [Ulster](/source/Ulster_GAA) in the Inter-Provincial Series.[75]

## Style of play

McHugh's performances in 2012 earned him repeated descriptions of being "Donegal's pivotal player".[76] At his peak, he was considered "as lively a wire as his father Martin was in his heyday",[77] and has been called the "[Lionel Messi](/source/Lionel_Messi)" of a Donegal team widely said to resemble [FC Barcelona](/source/FC_Barcelona) in terms of the quality of their style and [shock and awe](/source/Shock_and_awe) tactics.[78][79] [Daniel O'Donnell](/source/Daniel_O'Donnell) himself has personally thanked McHugh.[80]

## Coaching and managerial career

He joined the [Fermanagh minor team](/source/Fermanagh_county_football_team) as their coach for 2020, saying: "I want to get a wee bit of experience in the coaching and they train in [Irvinestown](/source/Irvinestown) which is as close to me as Letterkenny or [Convoy](/source/Convoy%2C_County_Donegal)". McHugh had earlier wished to be part of a [Gary Duffy](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gary_Duffy&action=edit&redlink=1)-led Donegal under-20 management team; however, [Shaun Paul Barrett](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shaun_Paul_Barrett&action=edit&redlink=1) was instead appointed manager.[81][82]

In October 2022, McHugh was announced as [Roscommon](/source/Roscommon_county_football_team) senior coach at the same time as [Davy Burke](/source/Davy_Burke) was appointed manager.[83][84]

He spent time as [Maigh Cuilinn](/source/Moycullen_GAA) coach, then was named head coach of [Westmeath](/source/Westmeath_county_football_team) when [Dermot McCabe](/source/Dermot_McCabe) was appointed as manager in 2024.[85] When McCabe left in 2025 McHugh was appointed Westmeath manager.[86][87] He led Westmeath to the [2026 O'Byrne Cup](/source/2026_O'Byrne_Cup) and then added the [2026 Leinster Senior Football Championship](/source/2026_Leinster_Senior_Football_Championship) title.[88][89] That second title meant manager McHugh joined his father [Martin](/source/Martin_McHugh_(Gaelic_footballer)) in winning the Ulster Senior Football Championship for Donegal as a player and an unexpected provincial title as manager of a different team.[90]

## Personal life

McHugh is a father.[91]

On Saturday, 31 December 2022, McHugh married Aisling Gormley, with the ceremony taking place at St Columba's Church in [Carrick](/source/Carrick%2C_County_Donegal), the photographs being taken in [Towney](/source/CLG_Chill_Chartha), and the reception being held at [Letterkenny](/source/Letterkenny)'s Clanree Hotel.[92] As of that time, Gormley taught at Niall Mór National School, [Killybegs](/source/Killybegs), and she and McHugh had three children (son, daughter, son) together.[92]

## Honours

### Player

**Donegal**

- [All-Ireland Senior Football Championship](/source/All-Ireland_Senior_Football_Championship): [2012](/source/2012_All-Ireland_Senior_Football_Championship_final)[19]

- [Ulster Senior Football Championship](/source/Ulster_Senior_Football_Championship): [2011](/source/2011_Ulster_Senior_Football_Championship),[12] [2012](/source/2012_Ulster_Senior_Football_Championship),[16] [2018](/source/2018_Ulster_Senior_Football_Championship)[69]

- [All-Ireland Under-21 Football Championship](/source/All-Ireland_Under-21_Football_Championship) runner-up: 2010[10]

- [Ulster Under-21 Football Championship](/source/Ulster_Under-21_Football_Championship): 2010[9]

- [National Football League Division 2](/source/National_Football_League_(Ireland)): [2011](/source/2011_National_Football_League_(Ireland))

**Cill Chartha**

- [Donegal Senior Football Championship](/source/Donegal_Senior_Football_Championship): [2017](/source/2017_Donegal_Senior_Football_Championship)[6]

### Manager

**Westmeath**

- [Leinster Senior Football Championship](/source/Leinster_Senior_Football_Championship): [2026](/source/2026_Leinster_Senior_Football_Championship)[89]

- [O'Byrne Cup](/source/O'Byrne_Cup): [2026](/source/2026_O'Byrne_Cup)[88]

### Individual

- [All Star](/source/List_of_All_Stars_Awards_winners_(football)): 2012

- [*Irish News* Ulster All Star](/source/Ulster_GAA): 2011, 2012

- Ulster Senior Football Championship Final Man of the Match: 2012[17]

- *[The Sunday Game](/source/The_Sunday_Game)* Team of the Year: 2012[93]

- [Gradam Shéamuis Mhic Géidigh](/source/Gradam_Sh%C3%A9amuis_Mhic_G%C3%A9idigh): 2017[91][94][95]

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-dn_05112016_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-dn_05112016_1-1) Walsh, Harry (5 November 2016). ["McHugh was in library when heard he had won an All Star"](https://web.archive.org/web/20161106155008/http://donegalnews.com/2016/11/mchugh-library-heard-won-star/). *[Donegal News](/source/Donegal_News)*. Archived from [the original](https://donegalnews.com/2016/11/mchugh-library-heard-won-star/) on 6 November 2016. Retrieved 5 November 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Legends: Martin McHugh, Part 2"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130823184254/http://www.gaa.ie/gaa-news-and-videos/daily-news/1/2308120839-legends-martin-mchugh-part-2/). 23 August 2012. Archived from [the original](http://www.gaa.ie/gaa-news-and-videos/daily-news/1/2308120839-legends-martin-mchugh-part-2/) on 23 August 2013. Retrieved 23 August 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["The 'Wee Man' was big"](http://www.donegaldemocrat.ie/sport/local-sport/the-wee-man-was-big-1-3927596). *[Donegal Democrat](/source/Donegal_Democrat)*. 9 June 2012. Retrieved 9 June 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Mark McHugh's pet pooch gets to meet Sam"](https://www.donegaldaily.com/2012/10/01/mark-mchughs-pet-pooch-gets-to-meet-sam/). 1 October 2012. Retrieved 1 October 2012.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-all_to_play_for_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-all_to_play_for_5-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-all_to_play_for_5-2) ["'It's all to play for' — McHugh"](http://www.donegaldemocrat.ie/sport/local-sport/it-s-all-to-play-for-mchugh-1-5106777). *[Donegal Democrat](/source/Donegal_Democrat)*. 20 May 2013. Retrieved 20 May 2013.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-dsh_naomh_conaill_15102017_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-dsh_naomh_conaill_15102017_6-1) ["End result all that matters for Kilcar after final win over Naomh Conaill"](http://www.donegalsporthub.com/end-result-matters-kilcar-final-win-naomh-conaill/). 15 October 2017. Retrieved 15 October 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Comack, Tom (28 May 2023). ["MacNiallais and McHugh play as goalkeepers"](https://www.donegallive.ie/news/gaa/1181618/odhran-macniallais-plays-as-goalkeeper-for-gaoth-dobhair-in-victory-over-kilcar.html). Retrieved 28 May 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-the_diary_the_dream_8-0)** McNulty, Chris (7 April 2020). ["The diary, the dream and Donegal's first steps to 'the other place'"](https://www.donegaldaily.com/2020/04/07/the-diary-the-dream-and-donegal-footballs-first-steps-to-the-other-place/). Retrieved 7 April 2020.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Ulster_U21FC_08042010_9-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Ulster_U21FC_08042010_9-1) ["Ulster U21FC: Murphy leads Donegal to title"](http://www.hoganstand.com/article/index/126826). *[Hogan Stand](/source/Hogan_Stand)*. 8 April 2010. Retrieved 8 April 2010.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Gavin_vs_McGuinness_10-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Gavin_vs_McGuinness_10-1) O'Toole, Fintan (6 April 2013). ["Remember the last time that Jim Gavin managed against Jim McGuinness?: The opposing managers in tomorrow's Division 1 league tie in Ballybofey have come face to face before"](https://www.the42.ie/donegal-michael-murphy-859156-Apr2013/). [The42.ie](/source/The42.ie). Retrieved 6 April 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Donegal Ulster Champions: Players hail maestro McGuinness"](https://www.donegaldaily.com/2011/07/17/donegal-ulster-champions-players-hail-maestro-mcguinness/). 17 July 2011. Retrieved 17 July 2011.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-rte_derry_17072011_12-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-rte_derry_17072011_12-1) ["Donegal 1–11 Derry 0–08"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110719145639/http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/championship/2011/0717/derry_donegal.html). [RTÉ Sport](/source/RT%C3%89_Sport). 17 July 2011. Archived from [the original](https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/championship/2011/0717/derry_donegal.html) on 19 July 2011. Retrieved 17 July 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["What Jim says is all that matters — McHugh"](http://www.donegaldemocrat.ie/sport/local-sport/what-jim-says-is-all-that-matters-mchugh-1-4005810). *[Donegal Democrat](/source/Donegal_Democrat)*. 29 June 2012. Retrieved 29 June 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["McHugh not satisfied with display"](http://www.donegaldemocrat.ie/sport/local-sport/mchugh-not-satisfied-with-display-1-4012461). *[Donegal Democrat](/source/Donegal_Democrat)*. 3 July 2012. Retrieved 3 July 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Donegal's new style untested in stroll past Derry"](https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/donegals-new-style-untested-in-stroll-past-derry-26866031.html). *[Irish Independent](/source/Irish_Independent)*. 18 June 2012. Retrieved 18 June 2012.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-bbc_down_22072012_16-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-bbc_down_22072012_16-1) ["Ulster Senior Football Final: Donegal 2–18 0–13 Down"](https://www.bbc.com/sport/northern-ireland/18912731). [BBC Sport](/source/BBC_Sport). 22 July 2012. Retrieved 22 July 2012.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-motm_22072012_17-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-motm_22072012_17-1) ["McHugh in jibe at BBC pundit Dad"](https://www.bbc.com/sport/av/northern-ireland/18948243). [BBC Sport](/source/BBC_Sport). 22 July 2012. Retrieved 22 July 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["Live updates from the All-Ireland finals at Croke Park"](https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2012/0923/338702-live-all-ireland-football-finals/). [RTÉ Sport](/source/RT%C3%89_Sport). 23 September 2012. Retrieved 23 September 2012.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-rte_mayo_23092012_19-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-rte_mayo_23092012_19-1) ["Donegal 2–11 Mayo 0–13"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150329174043/http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2012/0923/338732-donegal-beat-mayo-to-end-wait-for-sam/). [RTÉ Sport](/source/RT%C3%89_Sport). 23 September 2012. Archived from [the original](https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2012/0923/338732-donegal-beat-mayo-to-end-wait-for-sam/) on 29 March 2015. Retrieved 23 September 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["Donegal's victory poses problem for prospective wife of Mark McHugh"](https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2012/0923/338781-mark-mchugh-savours-deserved-donegal-victory/). [RTÉ Sport](/source/RT%C3%89_Sport). 23 September 2012. Retrieved 23 September 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** McNulty, Chris (13 November 2012). ["Replacement All-Star for Thompson"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130810155919/http://donegalnews.com/2012/11/replacement-all-star-for-thompson/). *[Donegal News](/source/Donegal_News)*. Archived from [the original](https://donegalnews.com/2012/11/replacement-all-star-for-thompson/) on 10 August 2013. Retrieved 13 November 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** ["Donegal's Mark McHugh set to miss start of National League"](https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2013/0122/363868-donegals-mchugh-set-to-miss-start-of-league/). [RTÉ Sport](/source/RT%C3%89_Sport). 22 January 2013. Retrieved 22 January 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** ["As it happened: Monaghan v Donegal, Ulster senior football final"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130724104136/http://www.thescore.ie/donegal-monaghan-live-1002437-Jul2013/). [The42.ie](/source/The42.ie). 21 July 2013. Archived from [the original](https://www.the42.ie/donegal-monaghan-live-1002437-Jul2013/) on 24 July 2013. Retrieved 21 July 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** Diallo, Raf (22 July 2013). ["Mark McHugh a doubt for Donegal qualifier"](http://www.newstalk.ie/Mark-McHugh-a-doubt-for-Donegal-qualifier). [Newstalk](/source/Newstalk). Retrieved 22 July 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** ["Mark McHugh to miss Laois qualifier after suffering concussion, perforated eardrum"](https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2013/0724/464438-mchugh-to-miss-laois-encounter/). [RTÉ Sport](/source/RT%C3%89_Sport). 24 July 2013. Retrieved 24 July 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** O'Toole, Fintan (24 July 2013). ["McHugh ruled out for Donegal due to perforated eardrum and concussion: The Donegal attacker suffered a perforated eardrum, concussion and a quad muscle tear in last Sunday's Ulster final"](https://www.the42.ie/mark-mchugh-donegal-2-1006856-Jul2013/). [The42.ie](/source/The42.ie). Retrieved 24 July 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** ["Donegal stunned by shock departure of Mark McHugh"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150924231002/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/gaelic-games/27229767). [BBC Sport](/source/BBC_Sport). 30 April 2014. Archived from [the original](https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/gaelic-games/27229767) on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 30 April 2014.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-score_no_regrets_supporting_brother_28-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-score_no_regrets_supporting_brother_28-1) ["Mark McHugh on leaving Donegal's panel, New York travel and supporting brother Ryan: The 2012 All-Ireland winner has no regrets at not being part of the current squad"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140913010936/http://www.thescore.ie/mark-mchugh-donegal-6-1667372-Sep2014/). [The42.ie](/source/The42.ie). 12 September 2014. Archived from [the original](https://www.the42.ie/mark-mchugh-donegal-6-1667372-Sep2014/) on 13 September 2014. Retrieved 12 September 2014.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-ii_12092014_29-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-ii_12092014_29-1) Boyle, Donnchadh (12 September 2014). ["Mark McHugh: I don't regret missing Donegal's season"](https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/mark-mchugh-i-dont-regret-missing-donegals-season-30581308.html). *[Irish Independent](/source/Irish_Independent)*. Retrieved 12 September 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** ["Donegal reverse 2013 result to claim Ulster football title"](https://www.the42.ie/donegal-monaghan-ulster-final-2014-2-1581038-Jul2014/). [The42.ie](/source/The42.ie). 20 July 2014. Retrieved 20 July 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-31)** ["Mark McHugh rejoins the Donegal football squad"](https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/mark-mchugh-rejoins-the-donegal-football-squad-30857555.html). *[Irish Independent](/source/Irish_Independent)*. 22 December 2014. Retrieved 22 December 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-32)** ["Gallagher delighted with early statement as McBrearty steps up"](https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/gallagher-delighted-with-early-statement-as-mcbrearty-steps-up-30955450.html). *[Irish Independent](/source/Irish_Independent)*. 1 February 2015. Retrieved 1 February 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-33)** ["14-man Dublin too hot for Donegal to handle"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150208024424/http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2015/0207/678583-dublin-v-donegal/). [RTÉ Sport](/source/RT%C3%89_Sport). 7 February 2015. Archived from [the original](https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2015/0207/678583-dublin-v-donegal/) on 8 February 2015. Retrieved 7 February 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-34)** ["Donegal edge out Cork in Ballyshannon"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150302044802/http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2015/0301/683666-donegal-v-cork/). [RTÉ Sport](/source/RT%C3%89_Sport). 1 March 2015. Archived from [the original](https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2015/0301/683666-donegal-v-cork/) on 2 March 2015. Retrieved 1 March 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-35)** ["Monaghan grind out result in dour encounter"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150309041115/http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2015/0308/685474-donegal-v-monaghan/). [RTÉ Sport](/source/RT%C3%89_Sport). 8 March 2015. Archived from [the original](https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2015/0308/685474-donegal-v-monaghan/) on 9 March 2015. Retrieved 8 March 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-36)** O'Riordan, Ian (15 March 2015). ["Kerry hold nerve and Donegal in Tralee spring classic"](https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/kerry-hold-nerve-and-donegal-in-tralee-spring-classic-1.2140604). *[The Irish Times](/source/The_Irish_Times)*. Retrieved 15 March 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-37)** Bannon, Orla (29 March 2015). ["Donegal make light work of Tyrone"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150330075055/http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2015/0329/690619-donegal-mayo/). [RTÉ Sport](/source/RT%C3%89_Sport). Archived from [the original](https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/football/2015/0329/690619-donegal-mayo/) on 30 March 2015. Retrieved 29 March 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-38)** Finnerty, Mike (6 April 2015). ["Stephen Griffin leapfrogs Donegal into semis"](https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/football/stephen-griffin-leapfrogs-donegal-into-semis-322420.html). *[Irish Examiner](/source/Irish_Examiner)*. Retrieved 6 April 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-39)** ["Mark McHugh hopes to be fit for Ulster SFC opener against Tyrone"](https://www.bbc.com/sport/gaelic-games/32653018). [BBC Sport](/source/BBC_Sport). 8 May 2015. Retrieved 8 May 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-40)** Mooney, Francis (17 May 2015). ["Donegal edge Tyrone in tough Ulster battle"](https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2015/0517/701756-donegal-tyrone/). [RTÉ Sport](/source/RT%C3%89_Sport). Retrieved 17 May 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-41)** Mooney, Francis (14 June 2015). ["Donegal progress untested by Armagh"](https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2015/0614/708056-armagh-v-donegal/). [RTÉ Sport](/source/RT%C3%89_Sport). Retrieved 14 June 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-42)** Mooney, Francis (27 June 2015). ["Donegal forced to dig deep for Derry win"](https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2015/0627/711074-derry-v-donegal/). [RTÉ Sport](/source/RT%C3%89_Sport). Retrieved 27 June 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-43)** Breheny, Martin (19 July 2015). ["Monaghan beat Donegal at their own game as Ulster champions dethroned"](https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/monaghan-beat-donegal-at-their-own-game-as-ulster-champions-dethroned-31387629.html). *[Irish Independent](/source/Irish_Independent)*. Retrieved 19 July 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-44)** Keane, Paul (1 August 2015). ["Round 4B: Brilliant Donegal dismantle Galway"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150924020911/http://www.gaa.ie/gaa-news-and-videos/daily-news/1/0108151953-round-4b-brilliant-donegal-dismantle-galway/). Archived from [the original](http://www.gaa.ie/gaa-news-and-videos/daily-news/1/0108151953-round-4b-brilliant-donegal-dismantle-galway/) on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 1 August 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-45)** Keane, Paul (8 August 2015). ["Classy Mayo outgun sluggish Donegal"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150924040406/http://www.gaa.ie/gaa-news-and-videos/daily-news/1/0808151940-classy-mayo-outgun-sluggish-donegal/). Archived from [the original](http://www.gaa.ie/gaa-news-and-videos/daily-news/1/0808151940-classy-mayo-outgun-sluggish-donegal/) on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 8 August 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-46)** ["Mark McHugh not training with Donegal squad"](https://www.bbc.com/sport/gaelic-games/35261532). [BBC Sport](/source/BBC_Sport). 8 January 2016. Retrieved 8 January 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-47)** Campbell, Peter (13 March 2016). ["Rossies signal greater intent after win over Donegal"](https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2016/0313/774557-donegal-v-roscommon/). [RTÉ Sport](/source/RT%C3%89_Sport). Retrieved 13 March 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-48)** Keane, Paul (28 March 2016). ["Donegal turn blind eye to James McCarthy incident"](https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/football/donegal-turn-blind-eye-to-james-mccarthy-incident-389772.html). *[Irish Examiner](/source/Irish_Examiner)*. Retrieved 28 March 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-49)** Shalvey, Colm (3 April 2016). ["Allianz FL D1: Last gasp Monaghan avoid relegation"](https://www.gaa.ie/football/news/allianz-last-gasp-monaghan-avoid-relegation/). Retrieved 3 April 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-50)** Mooney, Francis (17 July 2016). ["Late scores help Tyrone to Ulster title"](https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2016/0717/802984-tyrone-donegal/). [RTÉ Sport](/source/RT%C3%89_Sport). Retrieved 17 July 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-51)** Mooney, Francis (12 June 2016). ["Odhran Mac Niallais brace powers Donegal into Ulster semi-finals"](https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2016/0612/795019-fermanagh-v-donegal/). [RTÉ Sport](/source/RT%C3%89_Sport). Retrieved 12 June 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-52)** Mooney, Francis (25 June 2016). ["Monaghan and Donegal draw in Ulster thriller"](https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2016/0625/798203-donegal-1-11-monaghan-0-14/). [RTÉ Sport](/source/RT%C3%89_Sport). Retrieved 25 June 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-53)** ["Ulster SFC semi-final replay: Donegal 0–17 Monaghan 2–10"](https://www.bbc.com/sport/gaelic-games/36682148). [BBC Sport](/source/BBC_Sport). 2 July 2016. Retrieved 2 July 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-54)** O'Toole, Fintan (30 July 2016). ["McBrearty inspires Donegal to battling win over Cork and sets up clash with Dublin"](https://www.the42.ie/donegal-cork-mcbrearty-2903513-Jul2016/). [The42.ie](/source/The42.ie). Retrieved 30 July 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-55)** Rooney, Declan (12 February 2017). ["Donegal prevail late on against Roscommon"](https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2017/0212/852085-donegal-prevail-late-on-against-roscommon/). [RTÉ Sport](/source/RT%C3%89_Sport). Retrieved 12 February 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-56)** Fitzpatrick, Paul (4 March 2017). ["Donegal strike early to see off Cavan"](https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2017/0304/857258-donegal-strike-early-to-see-off-cavan/). [RTÉ Sport](/source/RT%C3%89_Sport). Retrieved 4 March 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-57)** Kelly, Kevin (18 March 2017). ["Allianz FL D1: Donegal too good for Tyrone"](https://www.gaa.ie/football/news/allianz-donegal-too-good-for-tyrone/). Retrieved 18 March 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-58)** Foley, Alan (27 March 2017). ["Late escape for Monaghan as Donegal pay penalty"](https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/late-escape-for-monaghan-as-donegal-pay-penalty-446248.html). *[Irish Examiner](/source/Irish_Examiner)*. Retrieved 27 March 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-59)** Gannon, Colm (2 April 2017). ["Aidan O'Shea's late introduction proves decisive as Mayo see off Donegal to avoid relegation"](https://www.the42.ie/mayo-donegal-report-3320260-Apr2017/). [The42.ie](/source/The42.ie). Retrieved 2 April 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-60)** Foley, Alan (21 May 2017). ["Paddy McGrath among the goalscorers as Donegal blitz Antrim to advance in Ulster"](https://www.the42.ie/donegal-antrim-report-3401111-May2017/). [The42.ie](/source/The42.ie). Retrieved 21 May 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-61)** Keane, Paul (8 July 2017). ["Round 3A Qualifier: Donegal edge thriller"](https://www.gaa.ie/football/gaa-football-all-ireland-senior-championship/meath-donegal/1059207/). Retrieved 8 July 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-62)** Small, Daragh (22 July 2017). ["Round 4A Qualifier: Impressive Galway advance"](https://www.gaa.ie/football/gaa-football-all-ireland-senior-championship/galway-donegal/1059215/). Retrieved 22 July 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-63)** Foley, Alan (4 February 2018). ["Last-gasp Galway snatch victory in Donegal to make it two from two"](https://www.the42.ie/galway-donegal-allianz-league-report-3833590-Feb2018/). [The42.ie](/source/TheJournal.ie#The42.ie). Retrieved 4 February 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-64)** O'Brien, Kevin (10 February 2018). ["Dublin survive strong Donegal fightback to make it three wins from three"](https://www.the42.ie/dublin-donegal-report-3845428-Feb2018/). [The42.ie](/source/The42.ie). Retrieved 10 February 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-65)** Campbell, Peter (25 February 2018). ["Donegal scrape by 14-man Kildare in relegation dogfight"](https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2018/0225/943452-donegal-scrape-by-14-man-kildare-in-relegation-dogfight/). [RTÉ Sport](/source/RT%C3%89_Sport). Retrieved 25 February 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-66)** Bogue, Declan (10 March 2018). ["Two-goal Tyrone move closer to safety with big win over Donegal in Omagh"](https://www.the42.ie/tyrone-v-donegal-report-3897125-Mar2018/). [The42.ie](/source/The42.ie). Retrieved 10 March 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-67)** Graham, John (18 March 2018). ["Monaghan ease past relegation-threatened Donegal"](https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2018/0318/948440-monaghan-1-16-donegal-1-10/). [RTÉ Sport](/source/RT%C3%89_Sport). Retrieved 18 March 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-68)** Gannon, Colm (25 March 2018). ["McLoughlin's stunning 74th minute equaliser sees Mayo survive the drop and Donegal suffer relegation"](https://www.the42.ie/mayo-donegal-division-1-draw-3923536-Mar2018/). [The42.ie](/source/TheJournal.ie#The42.ie). Retrieved 25 March 2018.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-rte_fermanagh_24062018_69-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-rte_fermanagh_24062018_69-1) Mooney, Francis (24 June 2018). ["Energetic Donegal end Fermanagh's Ulster title dream"](https://web.archive.org/web/20180625161155/https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2018/0624/972816-ruthless-donegal-end-fermanaghs-ulster-title-dream/). [RTÉ Sport](/source/RT%C3%89_Sport). Archived from [the original](https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2018/0624/972816-ruthless-donegal-end-fermanaghs-ulster-title-dream/) on 25 June 2018. Retrieved 24 June 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-70)** McNulty, Chris (13 May 2018). ["Ulster SFC: Donegal too good for Cavan"](https://www.gaa.ie/football/news/ulster-sfc-donegal-too-good-for-cavan/). Retrieved 13 May 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-71)** Mooney, Francis (27 May 2018). ["McBrearty excels to fire Donegal past Derry"](https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2018/0527/966359-mcbrearty-excels-to-fire-donegal-past-derry/). [RTÉ Sport](/source/RT%C3%89_Sport). Retrieved 27 May 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-72)** Mooney, Francis (10 June 2018). ["14-man Donegal cruise past Down into Ulster decider"](https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2018/0610/969538-14-man-donegal-cruise-past-down-into-ulster-decider/). [RTÉ Sport](/source/RT%C3%89_Sport). Retrieved 10 June 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-73)** McNulty, Chris (15 April 2019). ["Martin O'Reilly withdraws from Donegal squad"](https://www.donegaldaily.com/2019/04/15/martin-oreilly-withdraws-from-donegal-squad/). Retrieved 15 April 2019. 2012 All-Ireland winners Mark McHugh and Anthony Thompson did not return for the county this winter…

1. **[^](#cite_ref-74)** Craig, Frank (9 August 2019). "Kilcar lay league marker ahead of championship". *[Donegal News](/source/Donegal_News)*. p. 65.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-75)** ["Murphy to spearhead Ulster challenge"](http://www.hoganstand.com/donegal/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=185570). *[Hogan Stand](/source/Hogan_Stand)*. 13 February 2013. Retrieved 13 February 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-76)** Keys, Colm (6 August 2012). ["Donegal eyes on the big prize: McFadden twists knife as curtain falls on illustrious Kingdom era"](https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/donegal-eyes-on-the-big-prize-26884087.html). *[Irish Independent](/source/Irish_Independent)*. Retrieved 6 August 2012. McHugh is now Donegal's pivotal player, the man whose role has now done most to develop their game from 2011. He worked well as a sweeper around the McGee brothers, who were tasked with minding Donaghy and Colm Cooper, but it was the young Kilcar man's playmaking from those deep positions that really stood out.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-77)** Foley, Cliona (3 May 2010). ["Murphy penalty agony hands crown to Dublin"](http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/murphy-penalty-agony-hands-crown-to-dublin-2162309.html). *[Irish Independent](/source/Irish_Independent)*. Retrieved 3 May 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-like_messi_78-0)** ["Jimmy's like Messi! Donegal are the Barcelona of GAA, say Cork legends"](https://www.donegaldaily.com/2012/08/27/jimmys-like-messi-donegal-are-the-barcelona-of-gaa-say-cork-legends/). 27 August 2012. Retrieved 27 August 2012. Double All-Ireland winner Tony Davis stood by his insistence that Donegal played awful defensive Gaelic football last year. But he has changed his mind now about this year's team — and reckons Donegal play GAA the way Barcelona play soccer! For McHugh, think Messi, he says.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-79)** O'Shea, Joe (27 August 2012). ["Donegal one step from Sam after 20-year wait"](https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/donegal-one-step-from-sam-after-20-year-wait-26891397.html). *[Irish Independent](/source/Irish_Independent)*. Retrieved 27 August 2012. Cork never really got going. Outnumbered, out-sung and watching a supposedly "negative" team suddenly transform themselves into the FC Barcelona of Gaelic Football, the Rebels were left muttering about 'lads who didn't show up' and a manager who, to many of them at least, made some questionable calls…

1. **[^](#cite_ref-80)** Keys, Colm (28 August 2012). ["Donegal stand united in rise from the ashes: McGuinness evolution based around brains as well as brawn"](https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/donegal-stand-united-in-rise-from-the-ashes-26891720.html). *[Irish Independent](/source/Irish_Independent)*. Retrieved 28 August 2012. In the bowels of the Hogan Stand sometime on Sunday evening last, Daniel O'Donnell, wearing what looked like a retro Donegal jersey, made his way discreetly up to Mark McHugh and expressed gratitude to the young man for what he and his colleagues had done for their county.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-81)** ["McHugh to coach Fermanagh minors"](https://hoganstand.com/article/index/306238). *[Hogan Stand](/source/Hogan_Stand)*. 25 November 2019. Retrieved 25 November 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-82)** ["Shaun Paul and Luke Barrett appointed Donegal Managers"](https://www.highlandradio.com/2019/11/04/shaun-paul-and-luke-barrett-appoint-donegal-managers/). [Highland Radio](/source/Highland_Radio). 4 November 2019. Retrieved 4 November 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-83)** ["Mark McHugh to coach Roscommon"](https://highlandradio.com/2022/10/26/mark-mchugh-to-coach-roscommon/). Highland Radio. 26 October 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-84)** O'Brien, Kevin (26 October 2022). ["Davy Burke takes Roscommon reins"](https://www.the42.ie/davy-burke-roscommon-manager-5904164-Oct2022/). [The42.ie](/source/The42.ie).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-85)** ["Former Roscommon selector part of new Westmeath management team"](https://www.roscommonherald.ie/sport/former-roscommon-selector-part-of-new-westmeath-management-team_arid-34944.html). *[Roscommon Herald](/source/Roscommon_Herald)*. 16 October 2024. Retrieved 16 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-86)** Connaughton, Gary (12 August 2025). ["The Five Leading Candidates To Become Westmeath Manager After Shock Exit"](https://www.balls.ie/gaa/westmeath-manager-gaa-candidates-637800). *[Balls.ie](/source/Balls.ie)*. Retrieved 3 February 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-87)** Lawlor, Damian (9 September 2025). ["Mark McHugh takes charge of Westmeath footballers"](https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2025/0909/1532681-mchugh-takes-charge-of-westmeath-footballers/). [RTÉ News](/source/RT%C3%89_News). Retrieved 9 September 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-wizard_88-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-wizard_88-1) Keane, Paul (16 January 2026). ["Wizard Ronan Wallace inspires Westmeath to unlikely O'Byrne Cup success"](https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2026/0116/1553558-wizard-wallace-inspires-westmeath-to-unlikely-title/). RTÉ.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-pinpoints_89-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-pinpoints_89-1) ["Mark McHugh pinpoints Westmeath's 'turning point'"](https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2026/0517/1573843-mchugh-pinpoints-westmeaths-turning-point/). RTÉ. 17 May 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-90)** ["'We're here to compete with anybody': McHugh hails Westmeath win"](https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-41846652.html). *[Irish Examiner](/source/Irish_Examiner)*. 18 May 2026.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-hs_15112017_91-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-hs_15112017_91-1) ["McHugh named Donegal's best club footballer"](https://www.hoganstand.com/article/index/278171). *[Hogan Stand](/source/Hogan_Stand)*. 15 November 2017. Retrieved 15 November 2017. Mark McHugh and his son Noah

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-dlive_04012023_92-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-dlive_04012023_92-1) Foley, Alan (4 January 2023). ["Footballer Mark McHugh meets his match as he ties the knot with Aisling: Mark McHugh and his fiancée Aisling Gormley were joined by family and friends on New Year's Eve as they celebrated their wedding day in style"](https://www.donegallive.ie/news/gaa/1002632/footballer-mark-mchugh-meets-his-match-as-he-ties-the-knot-with-aisling.html). Retrieved 4 January 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-93)** ["Donegal team clean up on Sunday Game Team of the Year"](https://www.donegaldaily.com/2012/09/23/donegal-team-clean-up-on-sunday-game-team-of-the-year/). 23 September 2012. Retrieved 23 September 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-94)** Walsh, Harry (15 November 2017). ["Mark McHugh to receive 2017 Séamus Mac Géidigh Award"](https://donegalnews.com/2017/11/mark-mchugh-receive-2017-seamus-mac-geidigh-award/). *[Donegal News](/source/Donegal_News)*. Retrieved 15 November 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-95)** Foley, Alan (19 November 2017). ["Mark McHugh honoured to win the Séamus Mac Géidigh Award"](https://www.donegalsporthub.com/42908-2/). Retrieved 19 November 2017.

## External links

Wikiquote has quotations related to ***[Mark McHugh](https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Mark_McHugh)***.

- [Official profile](https://web.archive.org/web/20130527171730/http://www.donegalgaa.ie/playerProfile/2788/mark_mc_hugh)

- [Mark McHugh](https://x.com/MarkMcHugh1) on [X](/source/X_(social_network))

- [Mark & Martin McHugh](https://www.rte.ie/sport/player/809/344334/) on *[Miriam Meets...](/source/Miriam_Meets...)*

Sporting positions Preceded by Dermot McCabe Westmeath Senior Football Manager 2025– Succeeded by Incumbent

v t e Current All-Ireland Senior Football Championship managers Brennan Joyce McGeeney McGuinness McHugh Moran O'Connor O'Rourke

v t e Cill Chartha – current squad E. McGinley B. McGinley C. McShane P. Carr A. McClean Hegarty Shovlin C. McGinley M. McHugh E. McHugh S. McBrearty M. McClean C. Doherty B. O'Donnell O. Doogan A. McGinley D. O'Donnell Sweeney P. McBrearty A. Carr Molloy Pad. McShane Lyons B. McGinley D. McGinley R. O'Donnell R. McHugh A. McShane E. McGinley Byrne Pau. McShane Garvey K. Doogan Manager B. Doherty

v t e Cill Chartha – 2017 Donegal Senior Football Champions (6th title) 1 E. McGinley 2 B. McGinley 3 C. McShane 4 P. Carr 5 R. McHugh 6 M. Hegarty 7 B. Shovlin 8 C. McGinley 9 M. McHugh 10 A. McClean 11 C. Doherty 12 M. McClean 13 S. McBrearty 14 E. McHugh 15 P. McBrearty (c) Subs used M. Sweeney for A. McClean (50') S. Shovlin for Doherty (57') A. Carr for M. McClean (60') Manager B. Doherty

Donegal panels v t e Donegal – 2010 All-Ireland Under-21 Football Championship finalist 1 P. Boyle 2 E. Doherty 3 C. Boyle 4 P. McGrath 5 D. Walsh 6 T. McKinley 7 C. Classon 8 K. Mulhern 9 D. Curran 10 M. McHugh 11 M. Murphy (c) 12 D. Molloy 13 J. Carroll 14 L. McLoone 15 A. McFadden Substitutes used C. Morrison for McFadden (28') D. Murphy for McKinley (28') C. McGinley for Carroll (63') S. O'Kennedy for Curran (67') Substitutes unused P. McNelis (used in semi-final) P. McGee (used in Ulster) D. McLaughlin (started throughout the Ulster campaign) Manager J. McGuinness Selectors P. McGinley P. Shovelin Names derived from this piece on the Ulster campaign v t e Donegal – 2011 Ulster Senior Football Champions (6th title) 1 P. Durcan 2 F. McGlynn 3 N. McGee 4 P. McGrath 5 A. Thompson 6 K. Lacey 7 K. Cassidy 8 R. Kavanagh 9 N. Gallagher 10 M. McHugh 11 M. Hegarty 12 R. Bradley 13 P. McBrearty 14 M. Murphy (c) 15 C. McFadden Substitutes M. McElhinney for Kavanagh (32') Brick Molloy for McBrearty (52') D. Walsh for Bradley (58') Others Michael Boyle Marty Boyle Injured for final L. McLoone K. Rafferty Manager J. McGuinness Selectors R. Gallagher M. Curran P. Shovelin Above is the Donegal team that defeated Derry in the Ulster SFC final. The 2011 Donegal football team progressed to the 2011 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-finals, where they lost narrowly to eventual title-winners Dublin. Donegal defeated Kildare after extra-time in the All-Ireland quarter-final. v t e Donegal – 2012 All-Ireland Senior Football Champions (2nd title) 1 P. Durcan 2 P. McGrath 3 N. McGee 4 F. McGlynn 5 E. McGee 6 K. Lacey 7 A. Thompson 8 N. Gallagher 9 R. Kavanagh 10 M. McHugh 11 L. McLoone 12 R. Bradley 13 P. McBrearty 14 M. Murphy (c) 15 C. McFadden Substitutes used 19 Dav. Walsh for Bradley (40') 17 M. McElhinney for McBrearty (48') 20 C. Toye for McLoone (57') 24 Brick Molloy for McElhinney (70+2') Substitutes not used 16 Michael Boyle 18 Marty Boyle 21 S. Griffin 22 D. McLaughlin 23 M. O'Reilly 25 Dec. Walsh 26 A. Hanlon Extended panel 27 B. Dunnion 28 P. Witherow 29 A. McFadden 30 K. Rafferty 31 P. McGee 32 G. McFadden 33 T. McKinley Manager J. McGuinness Selectors R. Gallagher M. Curran P. Shovelin Others in the backroom team Strength and conditioning coach — A. Speer; Surgical consultant — K. Moran; Team doctor — C. McManus; Team physio — T. Kerr Donal Reid

v t e 2012 All Star Gaelic Football Team 1 P. Durcan 2 N. McGee 3 G. Cafferkey 4 K. Higgins 5 L. Keegan 6 K. LaceyFOTY 7 F. McGlynn 8 N. Gallagher 9 A. Walsh 10 P. Flynn 11 A. Dillion 12 M. McHugh 13 C. O'Neill 14 M. Murphy 15 C. McFadden

v t e Westmeath football team – managers B. Murtagh (19??–92) M. Kerrigan (1992–95) B. Rock (1995–97) B. Lowry (1997–00) L. Dempsey (2000–03) P. Ó Sé (2003–05) T. Ó Flatharta (2005–09) B. Hackett (2009–10) P. Flanagan (2010–13) P. Bealin (2013–14) T. Cribbin (2014–17) C. Kelly (2017–18) J. Cooney (2018–22) D. Dolan (2022–) U20s incl. Damien Gavin c. 2022

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Mark McHugh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_McHugh) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_McHugh?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.