Donegal devastated at tragic passing of 1992 All-Ireland winner James McHugh
August 11, 2026
The 1992 All-Ireland winning Donegal team: Back row, L to R: Matt Gallagher, John Joe Doherty, Noel Hegarty, Gary Walsh, Brian Murray, Barry McGowan, Declan Bonner, Donal Reid. Front row, L to R: Martin McHugh, Joyce McMullan, Manus Boyle, Tony Boyle, Anthony Molloy, Martin Gavigan, James McHugh.
©NPHO.
Donegal GAA is in mourning following the passing of James McHugh in a car crash in Co. Cavan.
Aged 62, the 1992 All-Ireland SFC winner and All-Star died following a collision between a car and a van on the N3 at Drummallaght, between Virginia and Cavan town on Monday afternoon. His wife Noreen was seriously injured in the collision and was airlifted to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin.
James played in the half forward line alongside his brother Martin and scored a point when Donegal memorably captured the Sam Maguire Cup for the first time in 1992 at Dublin's expense. He received an All-Star for his performances.
The Kilcar clubman won an Ulster SFC medal in his debut season of 1990 and continued to represent his county with distinction until 1998. He also won a Railway Cup with Ulster in 1994 as well as three Donegal SFC titles with Kilcar in 1985 (as captain), '89 and '93.
James' son Eoin is part of the Donegal senior football panel, while his nephew Mark managed Westmeath to a surprise Leinster SFC success this summer.
Leading the tributes, Kilcar GAA posted online: "We, as a club, are devastated to hear of the tragic and untimely passing of one of our own, James McHugh.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the McHugh and O'Donnell families at this time and we pray for Noreen's recovery.
"As a mark of respect, all club activities will be suspended until further notice.
"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal."
Local Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty said: "James gave so much to Donegal GAA and will be remembered with great pride and affection across the county and beyond.
"My thoughts are with his family and friends, the GAA and wider community, and all those who knew and loved him at this very difficult time."
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