Former Donegal All-Ireland winner James McHugh, who was in his 60s, has died following a road crash in County Cavan. His wife Noreen, who was travelling with him as a passenger, was airlifted to hospital after the collision and died on Tuesday evening, according to RTÉ. McHugh was a key figure in Donegal's historic 1992 All-Ireland triumph and remained deeply connected to the county's football community.
Our earlier report on the crash named the victim only as a man in his 60s before his identity was confirmed.
What happened in the crash?
The collision occurred on Monday afternoon between a car and a van on the N3 at Drummallaght, on the stretch of road between Virginia and Cavan town. According to the Irish Times, the road was closed for a forensic collision examination, with local diversions put in place while investigators worked at the scene. The driver of the van, a man in his 50s, was treated for minor injuries and, per the same report, was taken to Cavan General Hospital.
Who was James McHugh?
McHugh played inter-county football for Donegal, and various sources differ slightly on the span of his career: the original tribute states he represented the county from 1990 until 1998, while the Donegal Daily reports he made 59 appearances between 1990 and 1996 and was named Man of the Match in the 1990 Ulster final. He won two Ulster Championships with Donegal, in 1990 and 1992, and added a Railway Cup medal with Ulster in 1994.
In 1992, the year Donegal lifted the Sam Maguire Cup for the first time, McHugh was named an All-Star and scored a point in the county's 0-18 to 0-14 victory over Dublin in the All-Ireland final at Croke Park. He played alongside his brother Martin on that winning team; the Irish Times notes Martin also won an All-Ireland medal that year and was named Texaco Footballer of the Year. At club level, James McHugh won the Donegal Senior Football Championship with Cill Chartha (Kilcar) in 1985, 1989 and 1993, and Donegal Daily reports he later had a spell as the club's senior team manager. Away from football, the Irish Times reports he worked as a network technician for the ESB. His son Eoin currently plays on the Donegal panel.
How is Donegal GAA responding?
Donegal GAA said in a statement that it was "deeply saddened" by McHugh's death, describing him as holding a special place in the county's history and in the hearts of its people.
James McHugh is synonymous with the greatest day for Donegal football. All-Ireland winner, All-Star, a proud Donegal man and the proudest of Kilcar men, but above all James was a husband, a father, a brother, an uncle and a friend.
The county board added that he was one of many people's first sporting hero, part of the generation that changed Donegal football forever by bringing the Sam Maguire Cup home for the first time in 1992.
His club, CLG Chill Chartha, suspended all activity until further notice as a mark of respect. In a post on X, the club said it was devastated at the news.
We, as a club, are devastated to hear of the tragic and untimely passing of one of our own, James McHugh.
The club said its thoughts and prayers were with McHugh's family. Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty also paid tribute, calling the news "heartbreaking."
James gave so much to Donegal GAA and will be remembered with great pride and affection across the county and beyond. My thoughts are with his family and friends, the GAA and wider community, and all those who knew and loved him at this very difficult time.
What happens next?
Gardaí have appealed for witnesses to come forward, particularly anyone who was travelling on the N3 between Virginia and Cavan town between 1pm and 2pm on Monday and may have relevant dashcam footage. According to the Irish Times, investigators have asked anyone with information to contact Bailieborough Garda station on 042 969 4570, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Key Facts
- James McHugh, in his 60s, died after a car and van collided on the N3 at Drummallaght on Monday.
- His wife Noreen, a passenger in the car, was airlifted to hospital and died on Tuesday evening.
- McHugh won an All-Ireland title with Donegal in 1992 and was named an All-Star the same year.
- The van driver, a man in his 50s, suffered minor injuries and was treated at Cavan General Hospital.
- Gardaí are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage from the time of the crash.
