Has Martin McHugh actually joined The Sunday Game?

henke

Hi,

I heard away back that Martin McHugh was to join The Sunday Game. It even says so in this link.
http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2012/0511/320597-vcxvcv/

I'm wondering though, has he actually joined? I know he was on the League highlights show earlier this year but I haven't seen him since the championship started on RTÉ and he is still on the BBC's coverage .

Anyone any idea?

Cheers.

Diego Maradona

No idea TBH but his column in the star yesterday spoke volumes of what type of guy he is, a bitter little man. I would like to see that fool Colm Parkinson gone, he is a spoofer!

henke

Ok thanks for that. Anyone actually know the answer to what I was asking?

Cheers.

The_Kew_Tour

He was on TSG last night.

henke

The_Kew_Tour wrote: »

He was on TSG last night.

Thanks. Missed it last night so will watch tonight on rte player.

The_Kew_Tour

henke wrote: »

Thanks. Missed it last night so will watch tonight on rte player.

Had plenty to say too.

dcr22B

He's a bitter wee hoor and ridiculously anti-Dub in his TV appearances and his Star columns.

The_Kew_Tour

dcr22B wrote: »

He's a bitter wee hoor and ridiculously anti-Dub in his TV appearances and his Star columns.

Not found of Cork either.

Drumpot

dcr22B wrote: »

He's a bitter wee hoor and ridiculously anti-Dub in his TV appearances and his Star columns.

Thanks, though I was getting a bit paranoid watching his "analysis" on the Sunday game . .

doc_17

Suppose the point he was making about the hill was the lack of respect they have for other teams' free takers. It's not something that is good to see. Other fans do it as well and I have heard him criticise them as well.

What did he write in the star last week?

dcr22B

He talked about Dublin being split in two again, it's an old chestnut of mine that I hate seeing being written about.

Every county behaves like the Hill, it's just unfortunate that we have more of them. I don't condone booing for one second.

doc_17

Yeah he does go in about that at times. But he same teams winning provinials all the time isn't great either.
I like McHugh though. His analysis of matches is very sharp. One wee thing that really annoys me about him is tendency to say "it's interesting", "if ya look at it", "from that point of view" way to often and usually all in he same sentence

ciarriaithuaidh

I feel a newer more relevant question may be "has Martin McHugh lost his mind"...last night he claimed Diarmuid Connolly was one of the top 3 forwards in the country!

Of course, this is the same man a few years ago who said Derek Savage was better than Maurice Fitz so we shouldn't be surprised.

wow sierra

McHugh also suggested that a rule should be brought in that 4 players should have to be in the opposition half at all times - he has lost his mind.... Not sure if he wanted them in any particular zone or if they could line up just past the half way line :rolleyes: Yeah we all want to see attacking football but the last thing the GAA needs is more rules.

I was tired after a long day supporting the Rossies (:D:D:D:D) so I thought for a second I was back with the European championships with a guy with the flag running up the line and the commentators dicussing if a player was level or offside !!!

Tiernster7

Top 3 forwards after Bernard Brogan, Darren O'Sullivan, Gooch Cooper, Michael Murphy countless others .. dodgy call alright

doc_17

Did he not say something like "on his day" which implied that yes he can be great (Tyrone last year) but generally he doesn't he doesn' have the right attitude? I seriusly doubt McHugh, or anyone for that matter, thinks he's better than urphy, B Brogan and Gooch.

frojay

I like McHugh as an analyst, there's too many southerners on rte shows.

keane2097

McHugh has a couple of ideas that he doesn't mind throwing out that are fairly out there, but in general his analysis displays a far higher level of intelligence than most of the guff RTE serve up.

Justin10

Anyone know the Dublin players who wore ear plugs because of abuse?

gormdubhgorm

He is extremely biased. Seriously anti-Dublin and obviously pro-ulster.
He was badly caught out on RTE radio 1 for the Dublin v Cork NFL semi 2014.
He took great joy in calling Dublin leaderless in the first half. He was extremely happy. He claimed McCauley had the quietest game he ever had for Dublin
Granted Dublin did play badly in the first half. But he revelled in his comments.
He was virtually speechless in the second-half and after the final whistle.
He had nowhere to back track to.

This is only and example of his comments.
They are nearly always glib throw away comments, with little aside digs.
It is for this reason I cannot take his Sunday Game analysis seriously.
Also he is rarely asked to back up his statements or challenged on them by the RTE presenters.

lukin

The_Kew_Tour wrote: »

Not found of Cork either.

Yeah I noticed that. The amount of gloating he did when Donegal beat us in 2012 was way over the top.

The_Kew_Tour

lukin wrote: »

Yeah I noticed that. The amount of gloating he did when Donegal beat us in 2012 was way over the top.

Lot of the Ulster boys don't like us for some reason.

Would not mind but always shouted for the Down's, Armagh's, Tyrone's even saw plenty of Cork people shake Derry peoples hands after the 93 win.

I have no idea where it has come from, but they love to sneer at us. Pity.

Crash Bang Wall

ciarriaithuaidh wrote: »

I feel a newer more relevant question may be "has Martin McHugh lost his mind"...last night he claimed Diarmuid Connolly was one of the top 3 forwards in the country!

Of course, this is the same man a few years ago who said Derek Savage was better than Maurice Fitz so we shouldn't be surprised.

On form at the minute he is arguably the top forward in the country

Crash Bang Wall

I like him as an analyst. Havent noticed much bias, and from watching him on BBC, I seem him as a guy who points out mistakes/errors a team is making without going to town on it, like Spillane regularly does. And he generally gives ideas on how to correct it. Him and Jarlath Burns would be a huge addidition to RTE IMO

keane2097

Crash Bang Wall wrote: »

On form at the minute he is arguably the top forward in the country

In fairness to Ciarraithuaidh, the post you quoted is from July 2012...

Crash Bang Wall

keane2097 wrote: »

In fairness to Ciarraithuaidh, the post you quoted is from July 2012...

Still valid though. He seen something in the player and has been proved right. The likes of Brogan getting the scores gets the headlines and our RTE pundits rarely value the contributions of anyone other than scoring forwards or attacking half backs who kick a few scores.

keane2097

Crash Bang Wall wrote: »

Still valid though. He seen something in the player and has been proved right. The likes of Brogan getting the scores gets the headlines and our RTE pundits rarely value the contributions of anyone other than scoring forwards or attacking half backs who kick a few scores.

How can Connolly's form in 2014 prove that Martin McHugh was right to label him in the top three forwards in the country in 2012?

yop

Crash Bang Wall wrote: »

Still valid though. He seen something in the player and has been proved right. The likes of Brogan getting the scores gets the headlines and our RTE pundits rarely value the contributions of anyone other than scoring forwards or attacking half backs who kick a few scores.

Think you have crashed into the wall with a statement like!

Quite a change in form from 2012 to 2014 can happen. Connolly has improved a hell of a lot in the last year, so if he wasnt great in 2012 then McHughs statement was relevant then.

harpsman

The_Kew_Tour wrote: »

Lot of the Ulster boys don't like us for some reason.

Would not mind but always shouted for the Down's, Armagh's, Tyrone's even saw plenty of Cork people shake Derry peoples hands after the 93 win.

I have no idea where it has come from, but they love to sneer at us. Pity.

Jesus dont ever listen to Colm Parkinson on Newstalk if you think the Ulster boys dont like you. Personally Ive always liked Cork-found them to be the fairest and least dirty team around. But, much as I dislike Brolly i would have to agree with him about the recent Cork teams lack of creativity around the middle which resulted in arather ponderous style.This meant you werent getting the best of some fantastic forwards.

On Martin McHugh-hes one of the best readers of the game around(ok the odd thing a bit off the wall) and a massive improvement on most of the RTE "analysts"-are you listening Pat. One thing that is a bit annoying is the way he completely ignores the question and just talks about whatever he found "interesting".

Crash Bang Wall

keane2097 wrote: »

How can Connolly's form in 2014 prove that Martin McHugh was right to label him in the top three forwards in the country in 2012?

He obviously seen something in him that the rest of the GAA pundits didnt. Lads like Brogan get all the plaudits when they are scorinng 6 points plus a game, but the likes of Connolly making space, and creating chances have been as valuable. Its only now that hes adding scores to his game. Try sticking Bernard Brogan on the 40 like Connolly, Gooch or Alan Brogan and see how he does. Connolly can play anywhere in the forward line and has shown that over the last number of years. Its only highlighted now when hes a score maker and a score getter

The_Kew_Tour

harpsman wrote: »

Jesus dont ever listen to Colm Parkinson on Newstalk if you think the Ulster boys dont like you. Personally Ive always liked Cork-found them to be the fairest and least dirty team around. But, much as I dislike Brolly i would have to agree with him about the recent Cork teams lack of creativity around the middle which resulted in arather ponderous style.This meant you werent getting the best of some fantastic forwards.

On Martin McHugh-hes one of the best readers of the game around(ok the odd thing a bit off the wall) and a massive improvement on most of the RTE "analysts"-are you listening Pat. One thing that is a bit annoying is the way he completely ignores the question and just talks about whatever he found "interesting".

I have no problem with what Brolly said himself the other day. I even mentioned it on the Cork thread that he had a point. And he has.

I have been reading McHugh articles in the Star paper for number of years and he really digs into Cork. I remember the Monday after the AI and he basically said had Down been wearing a Black Kit instead of Yellow they have won.(Yes he did say that)

McHugh, Spillane or Brolly have every right to be critical of Cork when they deserve it, but the 2 Ulster lads take it too far at times. When Brolly was basically mocking certain players in Cork team thats taking it too far.

yop

The_Kew_Tour wrote: »

I have no problem with what Brolly said himself the other day. I even mentioned it on the Cork thread that he had a point. And he has.

I have been reading McHugh articles in the Star paper for number of years and he really digs into Cork. I remember the Monday after the AI and he basically said had Down been wearing a Black Kit instead of Yellow they have won.(Yes he did say that)

McHugh, Spillane or Brolly have every right to be critical of Cork when they deserve it, but the 2 Ulster lads take it too far at times. When Brolly was basically mocking certain players in Cork team thats taking it too far.

You should get them to wear a Mayo jersey see how far the mocking goes!

harpsman

The_Kew_Tour wrote: »

I have no problem with what Brolly said himself the other day. I even mentioned it on the Cork thread that he had a point. And he has.

I have been reading McHugh articles in the Star paper for number of years and he really digs into Cork. I remember the Monday after the AI and he basically said had Down been wearing a Black Kit instead of Yellow they have won.(Yes he did say that)

McHugh, Spillane or Brolly have every right to be critical of Cork when they deserve it, but the 2 Ulster lads take it too far at times. When Brolly was basically mocking certain players in Cork team thats taking it too far.

Well I dont read the Star so Ill have to take your word for it. Disappointed to hear that. As for Brolly- used to tolerate him because he was intersting to listen to-now i just fin him a crashing bore;anyway wouldnt worry too much bout him or spillane.

Lemlin

McHugh is one pundit I can't stand. He has a clear dislike for Cavan and can't hide it.

Last year for example, stating that Donegal U21s lost the final to Cavan but would be the happier team because they had more players capable of making the step up to senior level. He said he saw none in the Cavan team. Pure bitterness given the fact that Killian Clarke, Fergal Flanagan, Jason McLoughlin and Jack Brady, all established seniors at the time, were playing for Cavan. Clarke went on to win an Ulster All Star at corner back at the age of 20 last year.

A few years back he also described Cavan as the worst team in Ulster despite the fact that we had just beaten Fermanagh and had beaten Antrim the previous season.

These are just some of the snippets I've seen.

For me, Ciaran Whelan, and I was no fan of his as a player, is the best analyst on any station. If only they could get more like him.

Crash Bang Wall

Lemlin wrote: »

McHugh is one pundit I can't stand. He has a clear dislike for Cavan and can't hide it.

Last year for example, stating that Donegal U21s lost the final to Cavan but would be the happier team because they had more players capable of making the step up to senior level. He said he saw none in the Cavan team. Pure bitterness given the fact that Killian Clarke, Fergal Flanagan, Jason McLoughlin and Jack Brady, all established seniors at the time, were playing for Cavan. Clarke went on to win an Ulster All Star at corner back at the age of 20 last year.

A few years back he also described Cavan as the worst team in Ulster despite the fact that we had just beaten Fermanagh and had beaten Antrim the previous season.

These are just some of the snippets I've seen.

For me, Ciaran Whelan, and I was no fan of his as a player, is the best analyst on any station. If only they could get more like him.

I like Whelan as well for what is worth. I dont read The Star so cant comment on what he says in there either, but I dont agree that he hates Cavan. He may hate the way we beat Donegal, ( I dont know what he said after we beat them) but I seen him analysing us on BBC, back in the day where we were beating nobody, and he never went to town on us. He basically said that it was disappointing the way Cavan football was going (at the time), and praising the support from the fans, and that they deserved better. Neither him nor Burns went over the top in either criticising or praising teams in general, and for me at least, thats the way it should be

K-9

At this rate there'll be no nobody left he doesn't hate, which begs the question: Is McHugh really the problem? Had to laugh at the comments about him hating Dublin and Cork, the commentary on the league S/F must have been worth a listen.

He can be cutting, we've to listen to him here on local radio and he doesn't let Donegal off easy. For me him and Burns are the best "live" analysts, compare their comments at half time to the Sunday game boys, much more substance and quality to them.

yop

K-9 wrote: »

At this rate there'll be no nobody left he doesn't hate, which begs the question: Is McHugh really the problem? Had to laugh at the comments about him hating Dublin and Cork, the commentary on the league S/F must have been worth a listen.

He can be cutting, we've to listen to him here on local radio and he doesn't let Donegal off easy. For me him and Burns are the best "live" analysts, compare their comments at half time to the Sunday game boys, much more substance and quality to them.

I hear he said your a lovely lad

That's their job!!! What are they meant to do, say they love every team and that every player is brilliant, its not the BBC match of the day panel or SKY Sports, at least the RTE boys don't pander.

keane2097

K-9 wrote: »

At this rate there'll be no nobody left he doesn't hate, which begs the question: Is McHugh really the problem? Had to laugh at the comments about him hating Dublin and Cork, the commentary on the league S/F must have been worth a listen.

He can be cutting, we've to listen to him here on local radio and he doesn't let Donegal off easy. For me him and Burns are the best "live" analysts, compare their comments at half time to the Sunday game boys, much more substance and quality to them.

Got to agree with this, I get the sneaking suspicion that people are being a bit overly defensive of their own little patches!

The bit in bold is very funny.

K-9

Cork for me do tend to attract a lot of criticism, I don't know if McHugh is really any worse than anybody else though.

McHugh at his best gives you insightful analysis, often with the Sunday Game live it seems pretty obvious stuff, McHugh will often point out tactics that aren't that clear from watching it on TV, you're getting the benefit of his playing and managerial experience.

Hill St Blue

There's no doubt that McHugh is an intelligent man, who knows his football, but personally he lost me, when he moaned about how poor Cavan were during a commentary, and added his opinion that basically there was no hope for our future because we just didn't have any good young players coming through. Bear in mind that this was after we had won a Minor, and a few Ulster u-21 titles in a row (and have won some more since, not only disproving his theory, but making a total joke of it!) and these players were filtering through into the senior set up...it basically couldn't have been further from the truth!
He has been quite bitter in relation to us, but at the end of the day, in the bigger scheme of things, his opinion isn't worth a hat of crabs!
From '95 - '97, I thought that he was the football Messiah...it's funny how you go off people, eh?!

ProudDUB

He does fabulous analysis of the games on radio, as long as you are not a county that he has a deep dislike off. More than once, I have been amazed at how well he is able to go into the deep intricacies of a game and, point out what managers are trying to do and why they are or aren't working. His knowledge makes a total mockery of the clueless crap that the likes of Marty Morrissey & Ger Canning spout during games.

But he does take some unmerciful shots at counties he doesn't like. A couple of years ago, he was doing Dubins league game vs Donegal on Highland Radio. About an hour before the game, the players from both sides came out onto the pitch for a casual kick about. A few of the Dubs were wearing those large beats headphones, as they had just come off a 3 hr bus journey. Wee Marty said that he didn't like to see the Dubs wearing them, as he thought it was "arrogant". Then a few Donegal lads walked out on to the pitch. Lo and behold a few of them had the same headphones on. Did he mention them? Did he like hell. Nope, it was just them arrogant Dubs, being the fancy dans with their fancy headphones. Jesus wept ! :rolleyes:

Then before last years league semi final double header, he had a go at Dubs fans for not being true GAA fans, as they didn't come in early to watch the game that was on before the Dubs game. I dunno about you lot, but I have a life outside of being a GAA fan. I would love to spend all day, every day, at Croke Park, doing nothing but watching matches. But sometimes, life get in the way, as I have other commitments and calls on my time. Does that make me a "bad" GAA fan? Apparently, in Martin McHugh's eyes it does.

I have heard bring up that kind of petty crap, that has zero bearing or relevance to actual games, in other counties games too. So it makes it hard for me to take him seriously over all.

Gael85

ProudDUB wrote: »

He does fabulous analysis of the games on radio, as long as you are not a county that he has a deep dislike off. More than once, I have been amazed at how well he is able to go into the deep intricacies of a game and, point out what managers are trying to do and why they are or aren't working. His knowledge makes a total mockery of the clueless crap that the likes of Marty Morrissey & Ger Canning spout during games.

But he does take some unmerciful shots at counties he doesn't like. A couple of years ago, he was doing Dubins league game vs Donegal on Highland Radio. About an hour before the game, the players from both sides came out onto the pitch for a casual kick about. A few of the Dubs were wearing those large beats headphones, as they had just come off a 3 hr bus journey. Wee Marty said that he didn't like to see the Dubs wearing them, as he thought it was "arrogant". Then a few Donegal lads walked out on to the pitch. Lo and behold a few of them had the same headphones on. Did he mention them? Did he like hell. Nope, it was just them arrogant Dubs, being the fancy dans with their fancy headphones. Jesus wept ! :rolleyes:

Then before last years league semi final double header, he had a go at Dubs fans for not being true GAA fans, as they didn't come in early to watch the game that was on before the Dubs game. I dunno about you lot, but I have a life outside of being a GAA fan. I would love to spend all day, every day, at Croke Park, doing nothing but watching matches. But sometimes, life get in the way, as I have other commitments and calls on my time. Does that make me a "bad" GAA fan? Apparently, in Martin McHugh's eyes it does.

I have heard bring up that kind of petty crap, that has zero bearing or relevance to actual games, in other counties games too. So it makes it hard for me to take him seriously over all.

McHugh loves to talk about Dublin and get his digs in,.Most of these Dublin players have won All Irelands@Senior/U21, National League,Club Championship more than McHugh ever won so should take no notice of him

harpsman

Gael85 wrote: »

McHugh loves to talk about Dublin and get his digs in,.Most of these Dublin players have won All Irelands@Senior/U21, National League,Club Championship more than McHugh ever won so should take no notice of him

Hes won all irelands at senior and u21,is a 2 time all star and former footballer of the year,managed Cavan to their only ulster title in 40 years,oh yeah and wiped the floor with your star player keith barr in the all ireland final, so be a good boy and stop making a fool of yourself.

sean mac

typical rte gaelic football commentator - the football is crap. too many hand passes and it was better in my day etc and of course every attempt to improve the game will result in absolute bedlam. Terrible commentator way too negative and doesnt have a clue about squads outside donegal

delaad

harpsman wrote: »

Hes won all irelands at senior and u21,is a 2 time all star and former footballer of the year,managed Cavan to their only ulster title in 40 years,oh yeah and wiped the floor with your star player keith barr in the all ireland final, so be a good boy and stop making a fool of yourself.

He's gone record to say that he, at least, went into the '92 final determined not to shake his opponent's hand before the match. Reckoned poor big cuddly Keith was very discomforted by his action, or lack of it, as the case may be.

Always thought he had an ongoing liking of Cavan, but also that he has zero time for the dubs.

harpsman

delaad wrote: »

He's gone record to say that he, at least, went into the '92 final determined not to shake his opponent's hand before the match. Reckoned poor big cuddly Keith was very discomforted by his action, or lack of it, as the case may be.

Always thought he had an ongoing liking of Cavan, but also that he has zero time for the dubs.

Im sure youve heard the story that when mchugh missed a free in the first minute barr ran past him and said "you dont have the balls for it wee man". 20 minutes later after leavin barr on his ass tio kick his third point mchugh ran past him and said "we ll see who has the balls for it now!" Also mchugh was so confident about winning his main concern was to be close to the ref when the final whistle went so he could get the match ball, which he duly did. Speakin of barr ive heard mchugh on the radio talkin bout what a great coach he is of both football and hurling i believe.

ProudDUB

Gael85 wrote: »

McHugh loves to talk about Dublin and get his digs in,.Most of these Dublin players have won All Irelands@Senior/U21, National League,Club Championship more than McHugh ever won so should take no notice of him

That is all well and good, if you are a player, playing in the actual games. They don't have to listen to him spout his rubbish on the wireless, or on the tellybox. But we poor supporters aren't so lucky. We have no choice but to listen to him, especially when he is given the really high profile gigs.

He was Ger Cannings co commenator for last years All Ireland final. I was at the game, but when watching my recording of it later on, I was highly amused to hear speculation from McHugh, that BB's second goal was illegal. Not one single journalist or broadcaster or analyst mentioned this possibility after the game, even though all the goals in the game were analysed to death. Yet wee Marty is falling all over himself to come up with a bull$hit reason to deny Dublin the win. You can't but be pissed off at that kind of thing, no matter who you are.

Stoner

harpsman wrote: »

Im sure youve heard the story that when mchugh missed a free in the first minute barr ran past him and said "you dont have the balls for it wee man". 20 minutes later after leavin barr on his ass tio kick his third point mchugh ran past him and said "we ll see who has the balls for it now!" Also mchugh was so confident about winning his main concern was to be close to the ref when the final whistle went so he could get the match ball, which he duly did. Speakin of barr ive heard mchugh on the radio talkin bout what a great coach he is of both football and hurling i believe.

I heard it many many times, I was at every game that Dublin lost to Ulster teams in the 90s, collectively he went on about that win more than all the other players combined ever did , a bad winner IMHO, unlike Ross Carr for example who I think is a great commentator. I remember McHugh banging on about how Donegal had class and wore suits to the game and changed when they got there while Dublin wore tracksuits, if he writes a book about 1992 I'd say it will have 2000 pages in it. I actually know what the Donegal team had for breakfast in 1992 as a result of McHugh.

I also like David Brady I think he is usually spot on. I like Whelan too but on RTE Darragh O Se is my favourite. I was also delighted to see T O Se last week on the panel. I thought he was great. The way he spoke about both Cork and Dublin was fair, respectful and on the money.

I think the guys with more than one all Ireland carry more weight. Apart from Pat Spillane they don't seem to rub it in either.

I think a lot of people want to see new blood in there. Certainly guys from the successful Tyrone and Kerry teams. Some of the other lads are way past it IMHO the game has come on so much since they played it.

Gael85

harpsman wrote: »

Hes won all irelands at senior and u21,is a 2 time all star and former footballer of the year,managed Cavan to their only ulster title in 40 years,oh yeah and wiped the floor with your star player keith barr in the all ireland final, so be a good boy and stop making a fool of yourself.[/quote

Nobody making fools of themselves here kiddo.just facts.
For years McHugh has slated this Dublin team before they Won All Irelands in 2011 & last year in particular getting sly digs at Brogan brothers over the years in his column in the Star.These lads have proved themselves and have medals to prove it now.

The_Kew_Tour

Donegal and Derry won the 3 greatest All Ireland between them dont ye know....

ProudDUB

Stoner wrote: »

I also like David Brady I think he is usually spot on. I like Whelan too but on RTE Darragh O Se is my favourite. I was also delighted to see T O Se last week on the panel. I thought he was great. The way he spoke about both Cork and Dublin was fair, respectful and on the money.

I think the guys with more than one all Ireland carry more weight. Apart from Pat Spillane they don't seem to rub it in either.

I think a lot of people want to see new blood in there. Certainly guys from the successful Tyrone and Kerry teams. Some of the other lads are way past it IMHO the game has come on so much since they played it.

Oh great. Just what we need. Yet another Kerry man working in the meeja. Coz God knows, there aren't enough of them as it is. :rolleyes:

I agree with you on Tomas. I think he'll be better at punditry than his brother. He'll tell it like it is, with no bull$hit. Far be it from me to accuse a Kerry man of talking out of both sides of his mouth, ( ) but Daragh is juggling a lot of different media balls in the air. Some times I think that he tries to keep too many people happy, instead of just saying what he actually thinks.