Wife of sports activities legend dies a day after the automotive crash which killed her husband too
James McHugh, 62, a member of Donegal’s 1992 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship winning team, died in Co. Cavan on Monday. His wife Noreen passed away a day later
James McHugh(Image: @Inpho)
The wife of All-Ireland champion James McHugh has died after a car crash which also killed her husband.
Noreen, in her 60s, was initially airlifted to Beamount Hospital in Dublin with serious injuries following the collision on Monday (August 10). But she tragically passed away from her injuries on Tuesday, police confirmed.
The incident took place on the N3 at Drummallaght in Co. Cavan just before 2pm on Monday. James, 62, a member of Donegal’s 1992 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship winning team, died after the car he was travelling in collided with a van, the Irish Mirror reported.
He was declared dead at the scene and his body was taken to Cavan General Hospital. The driver of the van, a man in his 50s, was taken to Cavan General Hospital to receive treatment for minor injuries.
In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, Gardai said: “Gardaí in Bailieborough investigating the fatal road traffic collision that occurred on the N3 at Drummallaght, between Virginia and Cavan, Co. Cavan, shortly before 2pm on Monday 10th August 2026 have confirmed a second person has passed away.
“The collision involved a car and a van. The male driver of the car, aged in his 60s, was fatally injured in the collision. His female passenger, also aged in her 60s, was seriously injured and was airlifted to Beaumont Hospital for treatment but passed away this evening Tuesday 11th August, 2026.
“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.”
James made his debut for Donegal in 1990 against Cavan. The Cill Chartha native also clinched the Ulster title with Donegal after a showdown with Armagh in 1990.
He started at left half forward in the 1992 All-Ireland final and scored a point from play when Donegal defeated Dublin by a scoreline of 0-18 to 0-14. His brother Martin was also part of the Donegal team at the time.
The former forward also bagged an All-Star in the same year. He also tasted success with his club Cill Chartha, where he won the championship in 1985, 1989 and 1993. He played for Donegal until 1998.
