Delight in Milford as Turlough McHugh wins All-Ireland minor title with Derry

Turlough McHugh, whose family come from Milford, was a part of the historic Derry minor team that triumphed over a determined Armagh side to secure the All-Ireland minor championship title for the second consecutive year.  

Remarkably, this was the third encounter between the teams in this year's championship, with Derry emerging victorious each time, though none of the previous matches were as closely contested as this one, with the match finishing on a final score of 2-7 to 0-10. 

McHugh’s dad Joe is from Forquar, Milford, while his grandparents, Mary McHugh and the late John, a founding member of the Donegal Sports Star Awards, and a former Chairman of the Donegal Junior Football League, who passed away in 2013. 

Turlough’s cousins Darragh and Shane Black, Conor McHugh, and Gavin Grier all play for Milford's senior team. 

McHugh was a substitute for the Oak Leaf County, who defeated Armagh on a scoreline of 0-12 to 1-7 at O'Neill's Healy Park in Omagh to reclaim the provincial title they won in 2023, but started in the centre-half forward position in the All-Ireland semi-final against Kerry, which they one by one-point two weeks ago. 

McHugh maintain his starting position for the final, playing the full 60 minutes. 

The defending champions started strong, scoring three points within the first three minutes. However, torrential rain soon turned the game into a slippery and chaotic affair. Armagh adapted to the conditions more effectively, with Ross Marsden and Diarmaid O’Rourke levelling the score. 

Derry found it challenging to integrate key players like Dylan Rocks and Ger Dillon into the game until a penalty in the 23rd minute revitalised their efforts. Captain James Sargent confidently took the shot, driving the ball straight into the net, doubling Derry’s lead. 

This goal spurred Armagh into action, and they responded with three consecutive scores bringing the sides level at halftime. 

As the second half commenced and the rain abated, both teams engaged in a more open game, trading scores in the initial minutes. 

The atmosphere was electrified when Cody Rocks capitalised on a high ball, scoring a crucial goal for Damien McErlain’s team. 

Despite Armagh’s relentless efforts to break through, Derry's defence remained resolute. Their experience from last year's championship became evident as they effectively managed the game, maintaining possession as they held out for the victory.