Donegal GAA mourns the passing of James McHugh

DONEGAL GAA have released a poignant statement expressing their deep sadness at the tragic death of 1992 All-Ireland winner James McHugh.

News of his passing has been met with shock and sadness across Donegal, particularly among the GAA community. He was 62.

James will be best remembered for being part of the Donegal side that famously won the county’s first ever All-Ireland title at senior level when they defeated Dublin in September 1992.

Playing alongside his brother, Martin, he was among the scorers as Donegal claimed a famous win and would receive an All-Star that year.

Paying tribute, a Donegal GAA spokesperson said: “Donegal GAA is deeply saddened at the passing of James McHugh, a man who holds a very special place in the story, and in the hearts, of Donegal Gaels and the wider community.

“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 teammates 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.

“James was recognised for his outstanding contribution to that historic campaign with an All-Star award, but his legacy goes far beyond honours and medals.

“James’s heart was always firmly rooted in Kilcar and his commununity. He was immensely proud of his club and everything it represented. That pride was particularly evident earlier this year when CLG Chill Chartha had the honour of hosting Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta. It was a hugely special occasion for James to see his beloved club at the centre of such an important celebration of Gaelic games, language, culture and community. Indeed, such was the respect of the McHugh brothers for the Comórtas, that they played Ulster Championship games for Donegal and were subsequently transported to wherever Cill Chartha were competing so they could play the second half!

“The Donegal connection has continued through his family, with his son Eoin and nephew Ryan now much-loved members of our current Donegal senior football panel. His nephew Mark also proudly followed in his footsteps, helping Donegal to All-Ireland glory in 2012.”