James McHugh was an outstanding teammate and man says Bonner

DONEGAL great Declan Bonner has paid a heartfelt tribute to James McHugh, remembering a man whose courage, honesty and workrate helped make history in 1992.

There has been a profound sense of grief across Donegal following the deaths of James and his wife Noreen, with Bonner admitting that the news has been “absolutely heart-breaking” for everyone who knew the couple.

“It’s just absolutely heart-breaking and it’s been difficult to concentrate on anything else this week,” said Bonner. “It’s raw and emotional and everyone is devastated.”

“Life can be so cruel and you really feel for Emma and Eoin and the family as their lives have been turned upside down,” he said.

For Bonner, his memories of James stretch back to their teenage years, when McHugh was already being spoken about as one of the outstanding young footballers in the Kilcar area.

“I would have known of James from a young age, and you always hear about the best footballers in the area from when they start showing talent.”

The pair would first share a Donegal jersey at minor level in 1982, when they helped the county win the Ulster Minor League.

Despite his talent, McHugh had to wait until 1990 to make his Donegal championship debut.

Bonner believes that delay contributed to McHugh being regarded as an underrated player, despite possessing almost every quality required of a top-class footballer.

“He wasn’t the biggest but there was very little he couldn’t do with the football.

“He was brave, could tackle, carry the ball, and was a good scorer so he ticked most of the boxes and it didn’t take him long to establish himself when he got the chance.”

By then, McHugh had already established himself as a central figure in a Kilcar team packed with quality, but it was with Donegal in 1992 that McHugh helped secure his place in county football history.

“I can’t imagine it was an enjoyable match if you were marking James McHugh,” Bonner said.

“He could run all day and had a good knack of getting into scoring positions.”

Those qualities were on full display in the 1992 All-Ireland Final. McHugh scored a point against Dublin and also came agonisingly close to scoring one of the great goals in Donegal GAA history when his shot crashed off the crossbar.

“He showed courage to win the ball in the first place and then had a go,” said Bonner.

“He wasn’t going to hold back or wait for someone else to go and do it. He was ready to make his mark on the big day.”

That moment, Bonner believes, perfectly encapsulated the character of the man.

“James was as straight as they come and you always knew where you stood with him. In the dressing room, if something needed said, it would be said.”

James is now the first member of that historic 1992 team to pass away.

“We don’t meet up as often as we should and it gets harder as the years go on with different commitments but we will always be linked as the first team to win the All-Ireland for Donegal,” said Bonner.

“And when we did meet up over the years, you could be sure James would be in the corner when the craic and slagging was going.”

Bonner received the devastating news from Tony Boyle on Monday evening.

“I just couldn’t believe it,” he said.

“I have been talking to a few of the ’92 boys over the week and it’s so hard to comprehend.”

“We were hoping that Noreen would pull through but then the word came on Tuesday that she had also passed away. I would have got to know Noreen on team holidays and trips and she was a real lady.”

“It’s going to be a tough time ahead for Emma and Eoin but the McHugh and O’Donnell families are strong and will rally around,” he said.

“The Kilcar GAA club is close-knit and so important to their community. They will be there for the family without a shadow of doubt.”

Above all, Bonner remembers a good friend, a straight-talking team-mate, a devoted husband and father, and a man who remained deeply connected to his club and community.

“We’re in the Club Championship now and the result of the match at the weekend always feels so important but then weeks like this give everyone perspective,” Bonner said.

“Family is so important and it’s devastating for the McHughs and O’Donnells. I hope they can find the strength they need going forward as they mourn the passing of two lovely people.”