Hugh Connolly (footballer)

Hugh Connolly, born in Derry, Ireland, is a former footballer who played for Cork and Ireland during the 1930s.

Ireland international
When Connolly played international football in 1936 there were, in effect, two Ireland teams, chosen by two rival associations. Both associations, the Northern Ireland - based IFA and the Irish Free State - based FAI claimed jurisdiction over the whole of Ireland and selected players from the whole island. Connolly was one of several players born in Northern Ireland who benefited from the FAI's attempts to establish an all-Ireland influence.

Connolly made his one and only appearance for the FAI XI on 17 October 1936 in a 5-2 win against Germany at Dalymount Park. Together with Bill Gorman, Plev Ellis, Tom Davis and Paddy Moore, Connolly was part of a team coached by Bill Lacey.