South Mayo mourns the loss of ‘Mr Garrymore’ Bertie McHugh

GARRYMORE GAA Club is mourning the loss of one of its greatest ever servants following the passing of Bertie McHugh.

Born and reared in the heart of Garrymore village, Bertie was synonymous with various aspects of the club.

Like many of his family, Bertie emigrated to America as a young man where he worked in construction in New York.

While there he became immersed in the GAA. At one point he served as Secretary of the New York where and also trained the Mayo senior football team during their Stateside visits.

He later returned to Mayo where he managed the famous Garrymore side that won the 1969 Mayo Intermediate title.

The team, captained by Brian Healy on the day, defeated Ballintubber on a score of 1-6 to 0-8.

The club went on to win six senior county titles during between 1974 and 1982 and has retained senior status ever since.

Speaking to The Mayo News today following the news of Bertie’s passing, Garrymore legend Billy Fitzpatrick described him as ‘Mr Garrymore’.

After returning from America, Bertie took up work as an employee of CIE until his retirement and also ran a successful pub in Claremorris for many years.

However, his construction skills were put to good use as he oversaw the development of Garrymore’s pitch and clubhouse facilities.

Delivered entirely through voluntary labour, the club now also boasts a tarmacked cap park, astroturf pitch, walkways, a stand and floodlighting.

He laid the foundations for the complex and he laid the foundation for what’s there today,” said Fitzpatrick, who played on the Garrymore team that Bertie managed in 1969.

“He carried on a great tradition that was laid down by people that went beforehand.

“In those years when there wasn’t anything, there wasn’t a football pitch in Garrymore. We trained in just a normal field and had no pitch. The only pitch we would play in was Hollymount.”

Fitzpatrick added: “He spent his years working for the club…you would have to call him Mr Garrymore.”

Bertie was also instrumental in fundraising for the now-retired Exiles Cup, a prestigious competition which drew teams from across Connacht to Hollymount on Easter Sunday.

He also served as secretary of the South Mayo GAA board for a period.

In January 2020, Bertie was inducted into the Mayo News Sport Hall of Fame. 

His son, Danny, currently serves as Chairman of Garrymore GAA Club.

He passed away in the Bon Secours Hospital in Galway surrounded by his family.

Bertie McHugh’s funeral details have yet to be announced.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.