All-Ireland champion James McHugh and his wife Noreen have died following a car crash on the N3 in Co. Cavan. The collision occurred on Monday, August 10, at Drummallaght, between Virginia and Cavan, at approximately 2pm.
McHugh, who was driving the car, was declared dead at the scene after his vehicle collided with a van. His wife Noreen, a passenger in the car, was airlifted to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, where she died from her injuries the following day, Tuesday, August 11.
Gardaí confirm second death
Their deaths were confirmed in a statement issued by Gardaí on Tuesday evening. The statement said: "Gardaí in Bailieborough investigating the fatal road traffic collision that occurred on the N3 at Drummallaght, between Virginia and Cavan, Co. Cavan, shortly before 2pm on Monday 10th August 2026 have confirmed a second person has passed away."
"The collision involved a car and a van. The male driver of the car, aged in his 60s, was fatally injured in the collision. His female passenger, also aged in her 60s, was seriously injured and was airlifted to Beaumont Hospital for treatment but passed away this evening Tuesday 11th August, 2026."
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage from the N3 between Virginia and Cavan, particularly between 1pm and 2pm on Monday, to come forward. Information can be given to Bailieboro Garda Station on 042 969 4570, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Remembering a Donegal hero
James McHugh was best known for his heroics with Donegal in the 1990s. His finest moment came against Cavan, when he won the Ulster title with Donegal before starring as a left-forward in the 1992 All-Ireland final. He scored in Donegal's 0-18 to 0-14 victory over Dublin. He also won the Championship in 1985, 1989 and 1993 with his club, Chartha.
His former club Chartha paid tribute on X, posting: "We, as a club, are devastated to hear of the tragic and untimely passing of one of our own, James McHugh. Our thoughts and prayers are with the McHugh and O'Donnell families at this time and we pray for Noreens recovery. As a mark of respect, all club activities will be suspended until further notice. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal (May his noble soul be at the right hand of God)."
