LAST UPDATE | 11 Aug

NOREEN MCHUGH, THE wife of former Donegal 1992 All-Ireland winning football player James McHugh who was killed in a road crash in Co Cavan on Monday, has died this evening. 

The collision, which involved a car and a van, happened on the N3 at Drummallaght, between Virginia and Cavan, just before 2pm on Monday. 

James McHugh, who was driving the car, was fatally injured. His body was removed to Cavan General Hospital.

Noreen McHugh, who was a passenger in the car, was seriously injured and was airlifted to Beaumont Hospital for treatment.

In a statement, a garda spokesperson said she passed away this evening.

The man driving the van sustained minor injuries and was taken to Cavan General Hospital.

Gardaí are continuing to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who was travelling on the N3 between Virginia and Cavan, particularly between 1pm and 2pm on Monday, to come forward.

They are particularly appealing to any motorists who may have dashcam or other camera footage of the area during this time to make this footage available to them.

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.

James McHugh played senior inter-county football for Donegal from 1990 to 1996. He played alongside his brother Martin McHugh in Donegal’s first win of the Sam Maguire in 1992.

Earlier today, Donegal TD Pearse Doherty said it was “heartbreaking news” that the GAA great lost his life in the incident.

“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,” he said. 

Doherty said McHugh “gave so much” to Donegal GAA and will be “remembered with great pride and affection across the county and beyond”.

In a statement this afternoon, Donegal GAA expressed their deep sadness at the passing of McHugh and described him as “part of the generation that changed Donegal football forever”.

His club, CLG Chill Chartha, also paid tribute on social media to “one of our own” and suspended all club activities until further notice as a mark of respect.