Wife of Donegal footballer James McHugh dies following crash in Cavan

The wife of former Donegal footballer James McHugh has died following the crash that also claimed his life on Monday afternoon in Cavan.

The crash between a car and a van on the N3 at Drummallaght, between Virginia and Cavan, happened shortly before 2 pm.

Former Donegal All-Ireland winner James McHugh was the driver of a car and died in the crash.

The passenger, Noreen McHugh, a woman in her 60s, was airlifted to Beaumont Hospital for treatment but passed away on Tuesday evening.

Donegal GAA described James as “a man who holds a very special place in the story, and in the hearts, of Donegal Gaels and the wider community”.

The statement continued: “For many people across our county, James was one of their first heroes. James was part of the generation that changed Donegal football forever when he and his team-mates brought Sam Maguire to the hills for the first time in 1992.

“The generation that showed us all that anything is possible. A proud Donegal man, he was perhaps prouder still to be a Kilcar man.

“James’s unprecedented achievement on the turf of Croke Park that September day was made all the more special by the fact that he shared the field with his beloved brother, Martin.

“To see the brothers from Kilcar soldier together as Donegal finally reached the summit is a memory that will live forever in the history of our county."

Kilcar GAA said the club is “devastated to hear of the tragic and untimely passing of one of our own”, adding: “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.”

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.