Noreen McHugh, wife of former All Ireland winning Donegal GAA player, James McHugh has died in the same car accident which had claimed his life yesterday.
Mrs McHugh, aged in her 60s, was left with serious injures, after a car had collided with a van on the N3 at Drummallaght, betwee, Virginia and Cavan, Co Cavan at around 2pm yesterday. She was airlifted to Beaumont Hospital for treatement.
Since then, Gardaí have confirmed that she had also passed away, along with her husband, James.
James McHugh, who was also aged in his 60s, was the driver of the car in the accident where he suffered fatal injuries in.
It was also confirmed that the male driver of the van, who is believed to be aged in his 50s, is being treated for minor injuries at Cavan General Hospital.
Earlier, tributes had been paid to former All Ireland winner, James McHugh following the news of his death.
McHugh played a key role in his county's historic All Ireland success in 1992, which saw them beat Dublin in Croke Park in the decider. He also won two Ulster Championships during his inter county career, as well as an All Star in 1992.
Paying tribute to McHugh, Brian McEniff, who was Donegal's manager for All Ireland success in 1992 had this to say.
“I’m just broken-hearted,” McEniff, told Donegal Live. “James was such a fine man. I had a great friendship with him. He is the first player from the 1992 panel we have lost — we had also lost selector Séamus Bonar".
He continued: “It is just terrible. I don’t know what to say. James had the heart of a lion. I can still remember him in Clones in the Ulster final nipping in before big Brian McGilligan and getting the ball".
“No words can say what I feel and what I feel for the family as well. It is a terrible loss for them and for the Kilcar community".
Elsewhere, McHugh's club, Kilcar also paid tribute to McHugh.
“Words cannot describe how we, as a club and parish, are feeling following the terrible news of the passing of Noreen McHugh, which came through last night", a spokesman for the club said.
“We are absolutely heartbroken for Eoin and Emma, and for the entire McHugh and O’Donnell families.
“Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with them all at this incredibly difficult and unimaginable time.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam". (Quotes according to the Irish Independent).
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The incident is continuing to be investigated by Gardaí, who have urged witnesses or those in possession of dashcam footage to come forward. Anyone with information has been asked to get in touch with Bailieboro Garda Station on 042 969 4570, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Kilcar opened its doors to the public to allow the community to come together following this horrific tragedy.
As a mark of respect, Kilcar have also announced that all club activities have been suspended until further notice.
Funeral details for Mr and Mrs McHugh were yet to be announced.
