Wife of GAA All-Ireland winner killed in Cavan crash dies of her injuries

James McHugh, 62, was killed in Monday’s road traffic collision in Cavan, while his wife Noreen, aged in her 60s, has now also died of her injuries

The wife of Donegal All-Ireland winner James McHugh, who tragically lost his life in a road traffic collision on Monday, has also passed away.

Noreen, who was in her 60s, was airlifted to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin with serious injuries following the crash in Cavan on Monday, but sadly succumbed to her injuries on Tuesday.

The collision occurred on the N3 at Drummallaght, between Virginia and Cavan, shortly before 2pm on Monday (August 10).

James, 62, who claimed All-Ireland glory with Donegal in 1992, was driving a car that collided with a van. He was pronounced dead at the scene, with his remains taken to Cavan General Hospital.

McHugh made his senior debut for Donegal in 1990 against Cavan, the same year the county claimed the Ulster title following a victory over Armagh. Two years on, he was a key member of the historic Donegal All-Ireland winning side of 1992, alongside his brother Martin, reports the Irish Mirror.

The talented forward also earned an All-Star award that same year, while enjoying considerable club success with Cill Chartha, winning the championship in 1985, 1989 and 1993.

In a statement released on Tuesday evening, Gardaí confirmed: “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 continue to appeal 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 appealing to any 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 Bailieboro Garda Station on 042 969 4570, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.”

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