Westmeath GAA extends sympathy to McHugh family
Westmeath GAA has extended deepest sympathies to the McHugh family of Donegal, following the death of former Donegal football star James McHugh and his wife Noreen.
James and his brother Martin were part of the Donegal team which famously won the county's first All-Ireland senior title in 1992, defeating Dublin in the final.
An uncle of current Westmeath senior football manager Mark McHugh, James lost his life as a result of a road traffic accident between Virgina and Cavan town on Monday afternoon.
His wife Noreen has since passed away after sustaining serious injuries in the same collision.
"Everyone in Westmeath GAA wish to send our deepest sympathies to the McHugh family on the untimely passing of James McHugh, and his wife Noreen, Kilcar, Donegal," said Westmeath GAA in a statement posted online.
"Our thoughts are with their children, Emma & Eoin, and especially our senior football manager Mark and his family at this sad time.
"There are no words to express the profound sadness that the entire GAA community of Kilcar, Donegal and beyond are feeling at this time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha dílse," added the statement.
Mark McHugh guided Westmeath to Leinster senior championship success earlier this year, and Westmeath supporters have taken the entire McHugh family to their hearts, with Mark's father Martin regularly in attendance at Westmeath games.
Following the sudden and tragic death of James McHugh and his beloved wife Noreen McHugh (née O'Donnell), Bavin, Kilcar, funeral details have been published on the rip.ie website.
They were predeceased by their parents Jim and Kathleen McHugh, and Paddy and Nora O'Donnell, and Noreen's sister Margaret. Missed dearly by their heartbroken and much adored children Emma (Diarmaid) and Eoin (Emma).
Noreen and James will be sadly missed by James' sisters Mary (Eugene), Cathryn (Pat), by his brothers Martin (Patrice) and Enda (Rosaleen), by Noreen's sisters Maire (Paddy RIP), Sheila (Michael RIP), and Teresa (Dinny), and by Noreen's brothers Paddy (Mary), Mickey (Mary), and Paul (Brenda), and by Noreen's brother-in-law Michael.
They will be sorely missed by their many nieces and nephews, extended family, neighbours and their wide circle of friends.
Reposing at their family home (F94 YC42) tomorrow (Thursday), August 13 from 2pm until 9pm, and on Friday from 12 noon until 9pm. Rosary will take place at 9pm on both nights.
James and Noreen's Funeral Mass will take place in St Cartha's Church, Kilcar (F94 H2Y5) on Saturday, August 15 at 11am, followed with burial in Towney Graveyard.
Shuttle buses will be in operation to the wake house from the Blue Haven Hotel (F94 P27O) and from Leitir Corn Mill (F94 CP7E). The family has asked that everyone attending the wake avail of the shuttle buses.