THE man who died in yesterday afternoon’s road traffic collision in Co Cavan was former Donegal All-Ireland winning footballer James McHugh from Bavin, Kilcar.
News of his passing has been met with shock and sadness across Donegal, particularly among the GAA community. He was 62.
His wife Noreen was seriously injured in the collision and was airlifted to Beaumont Hospital.
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.
He managed his home club in 2011 and 2012.
The Donegal team that won the All-Ireland in 1992. James McHugh is seated on the front row on the extreme right.
Still heavily involved with his club, James was a regular at games and his passion for the sport saw him on the sideline watching matches at all levels across the county.
Away from GAA, he worked as a network technician with ESB.
James McHugh pictured in 1992 at a civic homecoming for the Donegal team at the offices of Donegal County Council in Lifford. Photo: Brian McDaid.
Last evening Gardaí issued an appeal for witnesses following the fatal road traffic collision on the N3 at Drummallaght, between Virginia and Cavan, Co Cavan, shortly before 2pm.
The collision involved a car and a van.
Mr McHugh, the driver of the car, was fatally injured in the collision. His body was removed to Cavan General Hospital.
Gardaí say the female passenger, also aged in her 60s, was seriously injured and was airlifted to Beaumont Hospital for treatment.
The male driver of the van, aged in his 50s, was taken to Cavan General Hospital to be treated for minor injuries.
Gardaí are appealing 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 particularly appealing to 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 Bailieborough Garda Station on 042 969 4570, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.