#redforgerry
The Gerry McHugh Festival of Football
In memory of a teacher, colleague and friend whose kindness and humour touched generations at Notre Dame High School, Greenock.
‘The Pieman’ · 1999
Photo: Eric Webster, Greenock Telegraph
At the chalkboard with Warren Hawke
Photo: Eric Webster, Greenock Telegraph
Mr McHugh as Notre Dame's staff Santa
Mr McHugh, PT of Maths
The Gerry McHugh Festival of Football is an annual community football event held at Notre Dame High School, Greenock, established in loving memory of our much-missed friend and colleague, Gerry McHugh.
Gerry served the school with distinction for many years as Principal Teacher of Mathematics, and is fondly remembered for his infectious enthusiasm, warmth, and unwavering commitment to helping young people and colleagues succeed. His positivity, generosity of spirit and belief in others left a lasting imprint on the Notre Dame community — an impact that continues to be felt today.
The Festival of Football brings together staff, former pupils, friends and members of the wider community for a morning of football, remembrance and togetherness. Played in the spirit Gerry embodied, the event celebrates participation, friendship and shared pride in the school community rather than competition alone.
Since its inception, the festival has grown into a firmly established annual event, now in its fifth year, and has become a focal point for community engagement and fundraising. Through team entry fees, sponsorship and an extensive raffle supported by local businesses, former pupils and sporting organisations, the festival has raised significant funds for the Gerry McHugh Scholarship, ensuring that Gerry's legacy continues to support young people long after the final whistle.
“He always had time for every pupil and member of staff at Notre Dame.”
Past champions
Celebrating the teams who have lifted the trophy at the Gerry McHugh Festival of Football. Played in the spirit Gerry embodied — friendship, participation and community.
No Option FC
Greenock Morton Supporters Club
Archive photographs of Gerry reproduced with thanks to Eric Webster and the Greenock Telegraph. Tributes sourced from Notre Dame High School's own tribute page — read the full community tribute at Notre Dame Now.