Mark McHugh has backed his brother, Ryan, to recover from a recent knock and come back even better in 2019.
All-Star Ryan has been out of action since suffering a concussion in August and missed Kilcar’s Donegal SFC campaign.
It was his second concussion injury this year with Donegal manager Declan Bonner calling earlier in the season for more protection to be afforded to the player.
“Ryan was told to take a few months’ break from contact in case anything would happen, but he’s back in the gym and just rebuilding and hopefully back on the field in early January, get back at it and look forward to the year,” Mark McHugh said.
Ryan McHugh won his second All-Star this year. A goal against Fermanagh in the Ulster final was one of the big highlights and his fine displays merited inclusion in the All-Star team.
Mark, an All-Star back in 2012 himself, said: “We were all delighted for him and he deserves it. With the work he puts in and the commitment he shows for his football and the talent he has, it’s not easy on him.
“Some days he goes out and he’s being man-marked and double-teamed and triple-teamed sometimes for club, but he still always produces the goods, which is a testament to him and a testament to his character.
“I can only see him hopefully getting better over the next number of years and for both Kilcar and Donegal, let’s hope that’s the way it is.”
Mark McHugh was speaking to launch Trócaire’s ‘Gifts of Love’ Christmas campaign. Last year, people across the island of Ireland bought more than €765,000 worth of Trócaire gifts, which helped over 27,000 families throughout the developing world. To find out more visit www.trocaire.org/gifts
