Hugh 'Hughie' O'Reilly was a Gaelic footballer and manager of Cootehill Celtic GAA Club and the Cavan county team.
The Cootehill clubman is the only man to be involved in all of Cavan's Senior All-Ireland Championship victories. He played and won 2 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship medal in 1933 and captained Cavan to victory in the 1935 final. Hughie also featured on the 1927 All-Ireland-winning junior team.
He completed a record of three All-Ireland senior titles in 1947, '48 and '52 in the space of five years and National Football League titles in 1948 and '50 as manager for Cavan. Cootehill Celtic GAA's pitch in the town is named after him.
He was a skilled disciplinarian and laid most emphasis in training on the basic skills, of catching, kicking, and passing the ball. He had the great attribute of being able to instil a sense of total confidence in the players, - a vital prerequisite for winning.
Hughie had 28 famous tips, many of which are still valid today.<br />
1. Play your own area<br /> 2. Goalie, keep backs in position<br /> 3. Full backs, clear ball to wings<br /> 4. Backs mark closely, but at the same time dominate play<br /> 5. Backs keep between opponent and goal<br /> 6. Half backs place forward with clearance<br /> 7. Backs meet in coming forwards<br /> 8. Always mark free kicks<br /> 9. Never let the ball hop<br /> 10. Never turn your back on the ball<br /> 11. Two kicks are greater than one<br /> 12. Get in front of your opponent<br /> 13. When not in possession, get into position<br /> 14. Keep up pressure <br /> 15. Don't hesitate to shoot inside 30 yards<br /> 16. Shoot for points, goals will follow<br /> 17. Move into position for pass<br /> 18. Full forwards remember half forwards<br /> 19. Play ball on the ground<br /> 20. Go forward to meet the ball<br /> 21. Kick ball before being tackled<br /> 22. Always play the ball<br /> 23. Avoid clashing<br /> 24. Keep trying<br /> 25. Remember your opponent is getting it as hard as yourself<br /> 26. Keep moving all during game and take deep breaths<br /> 27. Get off the ground when about to receive a knock<br /> 28. Go out and win but for God's sake, play the game