Death of former All-Ireland winner in road crash ‘heart-breaking’

By Rebecca Black (Press Association)

Great sadness has been expressed at the death of former All Ireland winner James McHugh in a road crash.

He died following a collision between a car and a van on the N3 at Drummallaght, between Virginia and Cavan, Co Cavan, around 2pm on Monday.

Mr McHugh, aged in his 60s, was the driver of the car.

A woman, aged in her 60s, believed to be his wife, was seriously injured and airlifted to Beaumont Hospital for treatment.

The male driver of the van, aged in his 50s, was taken to Cavan General Hospital to be treated for minor injuries.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who was travelling on the N3 between Virginia and Cavan, particularly between 1pm and 2pm, to speak to detectives.

Mr McHugh’s local GAA club have suspended all activities until further notice as a mark of respect.

CLG Chill Chartha said in a statement: “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 Noreen’s recovery. As a mark of respect, all club activities will be suspended until further notice.”

Sinn Féin TD Pádraig Mac Lochlainn described great sadness across Donegal at the “heart-breaking news”.

“James McHugh was a wonderful footballer and starred in the famous Donegal team that brought Sam Maguire to the hills of Donegal in 1992,” he said.

“The McHugh family have given so much to joy to the people of Donegal over the years.

“My deepest sympathy to all of his family and friends at this terrible time and we pray that Noreen can make a full recovery.”

James McHugh won the All-Ireland with Donegal in 1992