LAST UPDATE | 6 Jan

DONEGAL’S FIRST ALL-IRELAND winning captain Anthony Molloy and singer Imelda May are among those who have paid tribute to Stephen McCahill, who was found dead outside his home in Ardara in the early hours of yesterday morning. 

Gardaí have confirmed the 65-year-old businessman was fatally assaulted and died at the scene.

A man in his 30s, who is known to the victim, has since been arrested and is being questioned by gardaí.

It is expected a post-mortem will be carried out on the body of the late businessman today.

The deceased, a former Donegal Person of the Year recipient, was highly-regarded in the business world and co-owned the Corner House bar in Ardara and was also an auctioneer.

He was married to wife Marietta and has two grown-up children, Stephen and Gemma, both of whom live in New York but have been home in Donegal for the Christmas period.

Imelda May has said she is “heartbroken” over the death of  Stephen McCahill, who she described as “very special”.

May also described him as “the glue to a whole community of Ardara” in a tribute shared on social media.

“I was happy to see him again on Saturday night where he encouraged live music and joy
and had his big smile and hugs ready as the night went along,” May wrote.

A picture of Imelda May and Stephen McCahill taken on Saturday.Source: Imelda May/Facebook

Donegal County Councillor and the first Donegal man to lift the Sam Maguire Cup, Anthony Molloy, has spoken of the loss of his close friend.

He said: “Our community has lost its driving force for development and advancement, Stephen devoted his entire life to improving the Ardara area, and the South West of Donegal in general.

“For me personally, I have lost a true friend and loyal confidant that has been at my side since 1992, when he guided me through the aftermath of winning the All Ireland.

“Time and time again, I would call on Stephen to assist me in speech writing or public events, and true to form, he would never let you down – he was always there.”

The Fianna Fáil councillor said the businessman was also there for him whenever he started his political career, and he will never be able to fill the void that his sudden death has left.

He said: “Likewise, in politics he was the one I banked on and from my first election he played a massive role in that and every election since, and all during my career on Donegal County Council he was there to guide and support me.

“There are no words I can express that covers the void left by Stephen McCahill’s passing, it is the saddest of all days for our close-knit community and surrounding areas.”

Councillor Molloy asked everyone in the community of Ardara to support one another at this sad and difficult time, to reach out and talk to one another, support one another.

He added: “It is only natural to feel overwhelmed by the events of the past 24 hours. It is perfectly natural to seek help and support at times like this, and it is important that those that need reach out for that help.

“I know the McCahill and Maloney Families all my life, they will need our prayers and support in the days ahead, and our community is at its best when it is helping one another. The events of the past 24 hours need us all to be strong and there for one another.

“We must honour the memory of Stephen McCahill by being there for all within our community of Ardara, his legacy is one of always striving to improve our area, all of his energy was devoted to that worthwhile cause, nothing was an obstacle nor was anything a problem to Stephen.”

Councillor Molloy said he wished to convey his deepest sympathies to the victim’s wife Marietta, daughter Gemma, son Stephen, his daughter in-law Lauren, granddaughter Mary Kate and his wider family circle and his many friends and work acquaintances.

“Rest easy, my friend – you were the most loyal and true of all,” he added.