DONEGAL is in mourning as the county prepares to say farewell to one of its most loved residents, Stephen McCahill.
Mr McCahill (66), affectionately known as ‘Mr Ardara’, who was a much loved father of two and popular publican, was murdered in the early hours of Monday morning, devastating his family, friends and the wider communities.
Mr McCahill will be laid to rest on Saturday following Requiem Mass in the Church of the Holy Family, Ardara.
Michael Maloney (32) of Loughros Point appeared before a special sitting of Letterkenny District Court on Tuesday night charged with the murder of the businessman, who was found dead following an assault at his home outside the town on Monday morning.
In today’s paper, we reflect on Mr McCahill’s rich life, his contribution to his local community and his legacy.
Speaking to the Donegal News, Glenties Local Electoral Area Councillor Anthony Molloy tells of his personal turmoil at the loss of his “loyal friend, confidante and advisor.”
“It’s beyond words. There is going to be a huge void,” said Cllr Molloy.
Many glowing tributes have been paid to Mr McCahill in recent days, including from singer-songwriter Imelda May, who described him as “the glue to a whole community in Ardara”. Imelda May’s touching tribute was accompanied by a photograph of herself and Mr McCahill in his pub, the Corner House, on Saturday night.
Friend and former colleague, Donegal Fianna Fáil TD Pat ‘the Cope’ Gallagher, described Mr McCahill as “an exceptional community activist”.
“He was an exceptional community activist involved in everything that moved in Ardara from the Cuppa Tea Festival to the GAA.”
See pages 5, 6 and 7
for full coverage
