Donegal GAA have released a statement this afternoon, conveying their sadness at the death of James McHugh.
The late Mr McHugh sadly passed away on Wednesday afternoon following a road traffic collision in Cavan.
His wife Noreen was seriously injured in the collision and was airlifted to Beaumont Hospital.
Kilcar native James will be best remembered for being part of the Donegal side that famously won the county’s first ever All-Ireland title at senior level when they defeated Dublin in September 1992.
Playing alongside his brother, Martin, he was among the scorers as Donegal claimed a famous win and would receive an All-Star that year.
Two years earlier, he had made his senior debut against Cavan and would win a first Ulster title in 1990. He also won a Railway Cup for Ulster in 1994.
He was also a proud Kilcar clubman, captaining them to the Dr Maguire title in 1985 and winning championships again in 1989 and 1993.
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He managed his home club in 2011 and 2012.
There is huge sadness in GAA circles in Donegal and throughout the country following the news and Donegal GAA have released a statement saying:
“Donegal GAA is deeply saddened at the passing of James McHugh, a man who holds a very special place in the story, and in the hearts, of Donegal Gaels and the wider community.
“For many people across our county, James was one of their first heroes. James was part of the generation that changed Donegal football forever when he and his teammates brought Sam Maguire to the hills for the first time in 1992. The generation that showed us all that anything is possible. A proud Donegal man, he was perhaps prouder still to be a Kilcar man.
“James’s unprecedented achievement on the turf of Croke Park that September day was made all the more special by the fact that he shared the field with his beloved brother Martin. To see the brothers from Kilcar soldier together as Donegal finally reached the summit is a memory that will live forever in the history of our county.
“James was recognised for his outstanding contribution to that historic campaign with an All-Star award, but his legacy goes far beyond honours and medals.
“James’s heart was always firmly rooted in Kilcar and his community. He was immensely proud of his club and everything it represented. That pride was particularly evident earlier this year when CLG Chill Chartha had the honour of hosting Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta. It was a hugely special occasion for James to see his beloved club at the centre of such an important celebration of Gaelic games, language, culture and community. Indeed, such was the respect of the McHugh brothers for the Comórtas, that they played Ulster Championship games for Donegal and were subsequently transported to wherever Cill Chartha were competing so they could play the second half!
“The Donegal connection has continued through his family, with his son Eoin and nephew Ryan now much-loved members of our current Donegal senior football panel. His nephew Mark also proudly followed in his footsteps, helping Donegal to All-Ireland glory in 2012.
“It is a remarkable family legacy, spanning generations, and one that James was immensely proud of in his own quiet, unassuming way.
“The McHughs have been in the hearts of Donegal people for more than half a century, since they first appeared at underage level. They have shared our greatest sporting moments, our celebrations and our pride, and today, in this moment of unimaginable sadness, they are very much in our thoughts.
“James McHugh is synonymous with the greatest day for Donegal football. All-Ireland winner, All-Star, a proud Donegal man and the proudest of Kilcar men, but above all James was a husband, a father, a brother, an uncle and a friend.
“Our thoughts and prayers are especially with James’s beloved wife Noreen, whom we pray will make a full recovery, with his son Eoin, daughter Emma, son-in-law Diarmaid, and with all of the McHugh and O’Donnell families, as well as his many friends, former teammates, clubmates and loved ones.
“They have given so much to Donegal GAA, and we will be there for them now as they navigate this devastating news.
“Ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh a anam uasal. Go raibh suaimhneas síoraí aige i measc na Naomh agus na nAingeal.”