CLG Dhún na nGall wish to convey our utmost congratulations to and pride in Martin McHugh on his induction to the GAA Hall of Fame yesterday. The FIRST Donegal GAA person to receive this momentous honour!
Respecting and honouring the achievements of someone so accomplished is no easy task, but for everything he has brought to our county both on and off we are profusely grateful 👏👏
M.A.R.T.I.N. M.C. H.U.G.H.
M: Made his debut for Donegal in 1981 and would go on to make 138 appearances until his inter-county retirement in 1994
A: Anglo-Celt Cup 🏆 Martin won 3 in his distinguished career with Donegal; 1983, 1990 & 1992
R: Roles. Martin has had many important roles on Croke Park committees and is as highly respected for his administrative capabilities as his playing. He has served on the CCCC and the Games Development Committee.
T: Texaco Footballer of the Year recipient 1992, the highest accolade that can be bestowed on an inter-county player.
I: IT Sligo, who Martin managed to Sigerson Cup success in both 2004 & 2005.
N: National titles. Martin was a member of the historic under 21 Donegal team who won the All-Ireland in 1982. He also went on to manage Cavan to national league success in 1995.
M: Media work. Martin has been a pundit for RTÉ, BBC, Highland Radio and our very own Donegal GAA TV in a media career spanning more than 2 decades. His tell it as he sees it style of punditry being a massive hit with audiences.
C: Cill Chartha. Martin is hugely proud to be a Donegal man, but is arguably even prouder to be a Cill Chartha man, both playing for and managing his home club.
H: History maker. Martin scored our first point in the All-Ireland final of 1992 and went on to score 3 points in total on the day that saw Donegal defeat Dublin in Croke Park to take Sam Maguire to the hills for the first time ever. A day that will forever live in hearts and souls of all who had the privilege to witness!
U: Ulster Championship winning manager. Martin managed Cavan GAA to Anglo Celt success in 1997, joining a unique band of players / managers to achieve provincial success in both roles.
G: Greatest ever. Martin was voted as the greatest Donegal player ever in a poll organised by the Donegal Democrat in 2009 to celebrate the 125 years of the Gaelic Athletic Association.
H: Hall of Fame. Martin was yesterday inducted into the GAA Hall of Fame in Croke Park yesterday, October 19th, fittingly becoming the first Donegal person to achieve this accolade. A hero to Donegal people for decades, and now recognised by Gaels across the world.
Comhghairdeas leat a Mhairtín, táimid an-bhródúil asat 💛💚
20 October 2026; Hall of Fame Recipient and former Donegal footballer Martin McHugh, left, is presented with his award by Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns during the GAA Museum Hall of Fame Awards at GAA Museum in Croke Park, Dublin. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
20 October 2026; Hall of Fame Recipient and former Donegal footballer Martin McHugh, second from left, with guests, during the GAA Museum Hall of Fame Awards at GAA Museum in Croke Park, Dublin. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
