All-Ireland champion James McHugh has been killed in a horror car crash, and his wife left fighting for her life in hospital.
A member of Donegal's 1992 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship winning team, McHugh died after the car he was travelling in was in a crash with a van in Co. Cavan on Monday, August 10. The collision happened on the N3 at Drummallaght just before 2pm.
Crash details
McHugh, who was in his early 60s, was declared dead at the scene. His body was subsequently taken to Cavan General Hospital. His wife Noreen was airlifted to Beaumont Hospital in a critical condition following the crash. The driver of the van, a man in his 50s, was taken to Cavan General Hospital for treatment for minor injuries.
Career highlights
McHugh made his debut for Donegal in 1990 against Cavan. The Cill Chartha native also clinched the Ulster title with Donegal after a showdown with Armagh in 1990. He started at left half forward in the 1992 All-Ireland final and scored a point from play when Donegal defeated Dublin by 0-18 to 0-14. His brother Martin was also part of the Donegal team at the time.
The former forward also bagged an All-Star in the same year. He tasted success with his club Cill Chartha, winning the championship in 1985, 1989, and 1993. He played for Donegal until 1998.
His son Eoin is a member of the current Donegal panel, and they shared a unique distinction in that both father and son captained their club to the national Gaeltacht title.
Tributes
Deputy Pearse Doherty said his thoughts are with James McHugh's family and friends, the GAA and wider community, and all those who knew and loved him at this time. "James gave so much to Donegal GAA and will be remembered with great pride and affection across the county and beyond. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
Sinn Féin councillor Michael McMahon paid tribute to the sportsman. He told The Irish Mirror: "It's very very sad for everybody. James McHugh was a gentleman. He was one of the nicest men you could meet."
"I saw him play in the '92 All-Ireland Final, he was a great footballer... there is shock and sadness. My prayers are with his family and close friends. The entire community will be shocked by this."
Garda appeal
In a statement, Gardaí appealed "for witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision on the N3 at Drummallaght, between Virginia and Cavan, Co. Cavan, shortly before 2pm today, Monday 10th August 2026."
The collision involved a car and a van. The male driver of the car, aged in his 60s, was fatally injured. His body was removed to Cavan General Hospital. The female passenger, also aged in her 60s, was seriously injured and was airlifted to Beaumont Hospital. The male driver of the van, aged in his 50s, was taken to Cavan General Hospital for minor injuries.
The road remains closed to facilitate an examination by Forensic Collision Investigators, and local diversions are in place. Gardaí are appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision or was travelling on the N3 between Virginia and Cavan, particularly between 1pm and 2pm, to come forward.
Gardaí are particularly appealing to motorists with dashcam or other camera footage of the area during this time to make it available. Anyone with information is asked to contact Bailieborough Garda Station on 042 969 4570, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
