Mark McHugh in action against Dessie Mone in last year’s Ulster Final. Picture credit: Oliver McVeigh / SPORTSFILE
DONEGAL are preparing for their sixth Ulster Final in-a-row, but it’s been a long time since Mark McHugh tasted the euphoria of provincial glory.
McHugh played a key role as Donegal defeated Down in the 2012 Ulster decider to claim the Anglo Celt Cup for the second successive year.
However, the following season, Monaghan shocked Jim McGuinness’ side in the final, and McHugh had to be replaced after shipping a heavy challenge from Stephen Gollogly.
Donegal did regain the title in 2014, but McHugh was looking on from afar after leaving the panel in April.
The Kilcar star was back in the green and gold on the third Sunday in July last year, but he suffered the pain of defeat once again as the Farney county claimed the silverware.
McHugh admitted that his absence in 2014 does nag at him a bit, and he is hoping that he will get his hands on another winners medal this weekend.
“I was out in America watching it (2014 final) actually, and it was unbelievable to see the boys winning and it was Ryan’s first time to win an Ulster title, and you were just delighted for him and for the fellas.
“It was very disappointing for myself not being there or being part of it.
“The hurt of losing in 2013 and last year is still there in that bit of your stomach and you really don’t want to be involved in another one (defeat). It will be three in-a-row if we lose it, so I’m hoping we can put that right.”
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