James McHugh was a key member of the Donegal All-Ireland winning squad in 1992, alongside his brother Martin, who went on to become a GAA pundit on TV
The man who lost his life in a road traffic collision in Co. Cavan on Monday has been identified locally as Donegal All-Ireland winner James McHugh.
The former player, who represented Donegal until 1996, passed away after the vehicle he was travelling in collided with a van on the N3 at Drummallaght in Co. Cavan, shortly before 2pm on Monday.
Mr McHugh, who was in his 60s, was pronounced dead at the scene, with his remains subsequently transferred to Cavan General Hospital.
His wife Noreen was airlifted to Beaumont Hospital in a critical condition following the collision, while the van driver, a man in his 50s, was taken to Cavan General Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
James McHugh made his Donegal debut in 1990 against Cavan, the same year Donegal claimed the Ulster title following a victory over Armagh. Two years on, McHugh was a key member of the Donegal All-Ireland winning squad in 1992, alongside his brother Martin, reports the Irish Mirror.
James McHugh is the first of that legendary 1992 Donegal team to pass away.
The former forward also earned an All-Star that same year, and enjoyed considerable success with his club Cill Chartha, claiming championship honours in 1985, 1989 and 1993.
Sinn Féin councillor Michael McMahon was among those paying tribute to the sportsman, telling 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.”
Gardai have issued a statement appealing “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 in the collision. 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 for treatment. The male driver of the van, aged in his 50s, was taken to Cavan General Hospital to be treated for minor injuries.
“The road remains closed at this time to facilitate an examination by Forensic Collision Investigators and local diversions are in place.
“Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision or who was travelling on the N3 between Virginia and Cavan, particularly between 1pm and 2pm to come forward.
“Gardaí are particularly appealing to motorists who may have dashcam or other camera footage of the area during this time to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.
“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.”
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