Iconic Monaghan footballer Eugene 'Nudie' Hughes has died, aged 68

The gregarious Castleblayney Faughs man was one of the most popular figures in Gaelic football

Eugene Hughes of Monaghan in 1988 before the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Semi-Final match between Cork and Monaghan at Croke Park, Dublin. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile

The death has occurred of Eugene “Nudie” Hughes, Monaghan’s greatest footballer, at the age of 68.

The gregarious Castleblayney Faughs man, one of the most popular figures in Gaelic football and considered among the most versatile ever to play the game, had been suffering from cancer since first being diagnosed in 2018.

Hughes won three Ulster titles as well as three All Stars, one as a right corner back in 1979 and two as left corner-forward (1985 and ’88). His goal against Tyrone secured the Anglo-Celt Cup for his beloved county in 1988.

One of 14 children raised in York Street in Castleblayney, Hughes also won seven senior county championships and two Ulster SFC medals with Faughs as well as a Railway Cup medal with Ulster in 1984.

Eugene Hughes in action for Monaghan in 1984. Pic: Billy Stickland, Inpho

Last year, he was recognized with a lifetime achievement award by the Gaelic Players Association. "Winning the Ulster titles with Monaghan in '79, '85 and '88 were the highlights of my career,” he once recalled. “And also winning the Ulster Club Championship in '86 and '90."

Hughes was first diagnosed with liver and colon cancer in December 2018. Speaking about his health to BBC’s GAA Social earlier this year, Hughes said: “I remember when I was first asked away back, 'How are you managing it?' I said, 'I treat it like a football game.

"I've been part of a GAA family. You're not going to get the wind against you all the time, there is going to be a second half, you will get a break somewhere along the line. I'm playing against the wind a good while now so I'm waiting for a breather."

Hughes will also be remembered for his sterling local and national charity work with the annual All-Ireland GAA Golf Challenge and Nudie Hughes Golf Classic.

He is survived by his wife Teresa, sons Ciaran and Conor and his extended family.