Tributes have continued to be paid to James and Noreen McHugh following their tragic deaths in a road crash in Cavan earlier this week.
James McHugh, from Kilcar, a member of the All-Ireland-winning Donegal team in 1992, was fatally injured in the collision on Monday afternoon. He was the driver of a car involved in the two-vehicle collision.
His wife, Noreen, who was a passenger in the car, suffered serious injuries.
She was airlifted to Beaumont Hospital for treatment but passed away yesterday.
The deaths of the popular couple, who were both in their 60s, has stunned Donegal and many tributes have been paid to James and Noreen.
Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Councillor Gary Doherty, said the tragedy had brought ‘immense sadness’ to communities across Donegal.
“Together, James and Noreen were deeply respected members of their community, and their loss is being felt by so many people today.
“I never tire of telling people that I was lucky enough to be in Croke Park in 1992 to see James and his teammates win the Sam Maguire for Donegal for the very first time. As a football-mad ten-year-old Donegal supporter, James McHugh and that team were idols to me, and to an entire generation of Donegal people.
“While James’s sporting achievements will forever hold a special place in Donegal’s history, today our thoughts are with the family and friends who have lost two much-loved people.
“On behalf of Donegal County Council, I extend our sincere sympathies to the McHugh and O’Donnell families at this incredibly difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who knew and loved James and Noreen.”
Devoted
Deputy Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, Garry Martin, said it was an ‘unimaginable tragedy’.
“James McHugh will forever be remembered as one of the heroes of 1992 and a member of the Donegal team that captured the county’s first All-Ireland Senior Football Championship.
“However, beyond his sporting achievements, James was first and foremost a devoted husband and, together with Noreen, a loving father to Eoin and Emma.
“Today, our thoughts are particularly with Eoin and Emma as they come to terms with the loss of both parents.
“Eoin is a highly valued colleague within Donegal County Council and is held in great esteem by staff across the organisation.
“On behalf of all our colleagues, I want to extend our deepest sympathy and support to Eoin, Emma and the wider McHugh and O’Donnell families during this exceptionally difficult time.”
No funeral arrangements have yet been announced for the couple.
Monday’s collision occurred on the N3 at Drummallaght, between Virginia and Cavan, Co. Cavan, shortly before 2pm on Monday.
The collision involved a car and a van. The driver of the van sustained minor injuries in the crash.
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.