‘The generation that showed us all that anything is possible’: Donegal GAA pays tribute to All-Ireland winner James McHugh

Donegal GAA has paid tribute to James McHugh, saying his legacy “goes far beyond honours and medals.”McHugh died in a collision involving a car and a van on the N3 at Drummallaght, Co Cavan on Monday afternoon. A prominent member of Donegal’s breakthrough 1992 All-Ireland winning team, McHugh famously won the county’s maiden Sam Maguire title alongside his brother, Martin. Donegal GAA described James as “a man who holds a very special place in the story, and in the hearts, of Donegal Gaels and the wider community”.READ MOREThe statement continued: “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 team-mates 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.”He played with Donegal from 1990 to 1998 – scoring a point in the historic 1992 All-Ireland final win over Dublin before being included at wing forward in the All-Star team of the year – and remained a highly respected and much-loved figure within the GAA and his local community.His son Eoin and nephew Ryan have been part of the Donegal panel in recent years. Another nephew, Mark, was a member of Donegal’s 2012 All-Ireland winning team and is the current Westmeath senior football manager.“He was immensely proud of his club and everything it represented,” Donegal GAA’s statement continued. “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.“It is a remarkable family legacy, spanning generations, and one that James was immensely proud of in his own quiet, unassuming way.Manager Brian McEniff and the Donegal bench wait on the final whistle in the 1992 All-Ireland final between Donegal and Dublin. Photograph: Billy Stickland/Inpho “The McHugh’s have been in the hearts of Donegal people for more than half a century, since they first appeared at underage level. They have shared our greatest sporting moments, our celebrations and our pride, and today, in this moment of unimaginable sadness, they are very much in our thoughts.“James McHugh is synonymous with the greatest day for Donegal football. All-Ireland winner, All-Star, a proud Donegal man and the proudest of Kilcar men, but above all James was a husband, a father, a brother, an uncle and a friend.“Our thoughts and prayers are especially with James’s beloved wife Noreen, whom we pray will make a full recovery, with his son Eoin, daughter Emma, son-in-law Diarmaid, and with all of the McHugh and O’Donnell families, as well as his many friends, former team-mates, clubmates and loved ones.“They have given so much to Donegal GAA, and we will be there for them now as they navigate this devastating news.”Paying tribute, Donegal’s 1992 All-Ireland winning manager Brian McEniff said he was “broken-hearted” at the news.“James was such a fine man. I had a great friendship with him,” he said. “It is just terrible. I don’t know what to say. James had the heart of a lion.”Kilcar GAA said the club is “devastated to hear of the tragic and untimely passing of one of our own”, adding: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the McHugh and O’Donnell families at this time and we pray for Noreen’s recovery.“As a mark of respect, all club activities will be suspended until further notice. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.”