THE community of Kilcar was united in grief today as a double funeral was held for much-loved local couple, James and Noreen McHugh.
Tributes have been pouring in from across Donegal and further afield as news of James and Noreen’s tragic deaths cast sadness over the county.
The married couple, who were both in their 60s and parents to Emma and Eoin, tragically lost their lives in a road traffic collision in County Cavan last Monday afternoon.
James McHugh (62), a member of the All-Ireland-winning Donegal team in 1992, was fatally injured in the crash. He was the driver of a car involved in the two-vehicle collision.
His wife, Noreen McHugh (née O’Donnell), who was a passenger in the car, suffered serious injuries.
She was airlifted to Beaumont Hospital for treatment but sadly died the next day.
Hundreds gathered to say their farewells as the funeral cortege travelled to St Cartha’s Church in Kilcar for this morning’s Mass.
Guards of honour were comprised of James’s work colleagues in the ESB, staff and students at Scoil Cartha Naofa where Noreen worked, members of Kilcar GAA and players from the 1992 and 2012 All-Ireland winning football teams.
The funeral Mass was led by parish priest Fr Willie Peoples.
He recalled back to June 5 this year, when Emma and her husband Diarmaid got married in the very same church, a day that was “fun” and “beautiful” for the families.
Fr Peoples said: “We had rehearsals here in the church and of course, I did the usual to the mother of any bride: ‘Is it a hat or a feather that you’re going to be putting on your head tomorrow?’ And Noreen was well able for me, in her lovely, lovely quiet manner.
“The day of the wedding came and it was buzzing with excitement. And James walked up that floor, that good lengthy aisle, a very proud father, giving away his lovely daughter, and saying goodbye just in a different type of way for a while.”
Fr Peoples described James and Noreen’s early relationship as “something that’s made for the movies”, which blossomed during their school days in Carrick Tech, now Coláiste na Carraige.
“I don’t think that anybody else ever mattered to them,” he said. “They loved each other that deeply. One just lived for the other, and that was very evident.”
Fr Peoples said James was “a very likeable man” who would speak about “everything and anything”.
“James was a very strong and talented footballer and I think one of the proudest days of his life was in 1992, when himself and Martin, his brother, and the ’92 team came home with Sam,” said Fr Peoples.
“It was a fantastic time. It was a great time to rejoice in the county. It was a great time of togetherness among people.”
Fr Peoples alluded to Noreen’s kind and obliging nature and how she “excelled” in her role as secretary in Scoil Cartha Naofa.
“She was the anchor in many ways of our local primary school,” he said.
“Very pleasant to go into, very pleasant to work with, and I found that she made it her business to make things easier for people, and nothing was ever a bother to Noreen McHugh.
“If I couldn’t do something or whatever, she would take it on herself. She would use the words, ‘Leave it there, Father, and I’ll look after it.’ And she would just have it done, and that’s the truth.”
He said Noreen and James had a shared love of family, home, and God.
Noreen and James McHugh.
Noreen and James’s children Emma and Eoin addressed the congregation and extended their heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped them in the past week.
Emma thanked the emergency services in Cavan, the staff in Beaumont Hospital who cared for Noreen, and those who took part in the guards of honour among others.
“We are forever grateful, and it gives myself and Eoin great comfort to know that our parents were so loved,” she said.
“For us, we’ve lost our best friends,” said Eoin. “Our shoulders to cry on, our first phone call when something went wrong. We’ve lost our heroes.
“We never wanted for anything as kids. We were spoiled, but spoiled with more than material things – we were spoiled with love, and care, and warmth, and loads of food from Mammy.
“Not everyone gets to meet their soulmate, but we have comfort in knowing that we can safely say our mom and dad were meant for each other. They were always great for heading on their adventures and touring. They’d head off with their picnics and bags packed and just see where the road takes them. Always together, always happy.
“Our mum and dad are now heading on their last journey, together forever, the way they always wanted it to be.”
Bishop of Raphoe, Niall Coll, extended his sympathies in a message read to the congregation.
“On behalf of the Diocese of Raphoe, I express my great sorrow and my deepest sympathy on the tragic and untimely deaths of James and Noreen McHugh,” said Bishop Coll.
“Their sudden and heartbreaking deaths have cast a dark cloud over the entire diocese, county and beyond. James and Noreen were highly respected members of the Kilcar parish and of the county community.
“As a most valued member of the Donegal All-Ireland winning team of 1992, as an All-Star footballer, as a most dedicated and key player with his beloved native Kilcar in their most glorious years and as a servant of the community in his work with the ESB, James held a special place in the hearts of the people of Kilcar, Donegal and beyond.
“As the wonderfully efficient and most loved secretary of the Parish school for over twenty years Noreen was treasured by the entire community. We are numbed by their deaths but consoled by their legacy.
“We express our sincere sympathy to their children Emma and Eoin; to their brothers and sisters: Mary, Cathryn, Martin, Enda, Máire, Sheila, Teresa, Paddy, Mickey and Paul; to all the members of the McHugh and O’Donnell families; to the Kilcar club, school and community and to all those inside the county and outside of it whose lives were enriched by James and Noreen.
“We pray that James and Noreen are together in Heaven and that all who mourn will find strength, healing and hope.”
After the Mass, James and Noreen were laid to rest in Towney Graveyard.
They are predeceased by their parents, Jim and Kathleen McHugh, and Paddy and Nora O’Donnell, and Noreen’s sister, Margaret.
Noreen and James are dearly missed by their heartbroken and much adored children, Emma (Diarmaid) and Eoin (Emma).
They will be sadly missed by James’ sisters, Mary (Eugene), Cathryn (Pat), by his brothers, Martin (Patrice) and Enda (Rosaleen), by Noreen’s sisters, Maire (Paddy RIP), Sheila (Michael RIP), and Teresa (Dinny), and by Noreen’s brothers, Paddy (Mary), Mickey (Mary), and Paul (Brenda), and by Noreen’s brother-in-law, Michael.
Noreen and James will be sorely missed by their many nieces and nephews, extended family, neighbours and their wide circle of friends.