Donegal ace Ryan McHugh has been named as the Ulster GAA Writers Merit Award winner for June 2018.
Donegal have built under new manager Declan Bonner, with quite a bit of success, but still it is the experienced players who are leading the line.
Players like McHugh, for example who had a tremendous month of June, during which Donegal regained the Ulster SFC title.
From his role as left half-back the lithe Kilcar winger tore through the Down and Fermanagh defences like as chain-saw to take scores and also set-up scores for his colleagues, showing the newcomers just how it has to be done.
His cracking goal against Fermanagh, after he scythed through two defenders before firing as sizzling shot to the net, was a classic score asnd really the killer blow to the Erne men. But is isn’t just for that score that McHugh beat off challenges for the Quinn Building Contracts sponsored UGAAWA award.
McHugh’s darting runs into enemy territory is a feature of his play. Of course, Ryan knows what is needed at both ends of the field, being a forward formerly. Now playing at half-back he seems to easily combine defence and attack.
“I grew up playing at centre-back in underage teams so playing at No 7 now is not strange to me. Anyhow, I am glad to get any jersey and I am prepared to do what ever job the manager wants me to do,” said Ryan.
“I am very thankful for being honoured with this monthly award. Getting a prestigious award like this is always a boost to a player.”
To date, the Kilcar man has collected quite a clutch of awards. He was an Allstar winner in 2006, as well as Young Player of the Year, and he has tucked away two Ulster SFC medals, one Donegal senior trophy plus three at county U21 level and two in the minor grade.
For the June Award Ryan beat off a challenge from Tyrone’s Niall Sludden w
hile performances produced by Antrim hurler Neil McManus, Donegal footballer Yvonne Bonner and Armagh footballer Ruairi Grugan were also noted.
Quinn Building Products Sales & Marketing Director Seamus McMahon made the presentation of a Belleek Living Vase, compliments of Belleek Pottery, Silver Cuff Links from Carlingford Design House and training gear from O’Neill’s International Sportswear to Ryan McHugh at a reception in Quinn’s Corner.
