Former Donegal Person of the Year Stephen McCahill mourned after tragic passing

The community of Ardara and indeed much further afield are gripped in sadness with the news that Stephen McCahill was the man who died in a fatal assault in the early hours of this morning.

The 65-year-old might’ve been a Glenties native, but he would affectionately become known as “Mr Ardara” and was immensely popular in a wide variety of circles.

“As a Club and Parish, we are numb at the tragic death of our former Chairman, Treasurer, and Community Leader Stephen,” Clg Ard An Ratha posted. “No words can express our sympathy for Marietta, Stephen, Gemma and their families at this time.”

These feelings were echoed by Naomh Conaill GAA club, who said: "Words feel wholly inadequate at this time. Everyone in Naomh Conaill is truly devastated by the tragic loss of Stephen McCahill. For now, our thoughts and prayers are with Stephen’s family, Marietta, Gemma, Stephen and family, his friends, and the entire Ardara community as they try to come to terms with this unimaginable loss."

At approximately 3:50am, Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to an assault at a domestic residence outside the town. Stephen was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene. A male in his 30s was later arrested at a second location.

Having attended St Columba’s Comprehensive School in Glenties and the Regional College in Letterkenny, Stephen moved to Ardara with his wife, Marietta and two children, Steven and Gemma. 

Involved in many areas of the community, Stephen was named Rehab Donegal Person of the Year in 2006 and in January 2017 and Donegal Person of the Year for 2016.

The night he was bestowed with the Donegal Person of the Year award at the Regency Hotel in Dublin, Stephen was escorted into the room by the President of the Donegal Association, Hugh Harkin, with piper Kieran Kennedy creating a wonderful starting atmosphere.

“He stated that he is just a symbol for the community and the great work being carried out in the community,” the Donegal Association Dublin said at the time. 

“He fondly looked back on attending the Donegal Association events when he lived in Dublin and how it provided a link with home at a time when there wasn’t the same access to Donegal as there is today. Stephen also recognised the great work being carried out by Donegal people all over the world and that regardless of whether they are successful in what they do, anyone who tries hard deserves credit and respect.”

Stephen co-owned the Corner House pub, which celebrated its 25th year in business only last month, and was also a partner in McCahill & McNelis Auctioneers. 

He served on the board of Ardara GAA club, was the chairperson of AWAKE Tourism, which brought delight to the town for both locals and visitors, and the Donegal chairman of the Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAG) initiative.

"Our whole parish is numb at the news of Stephen's tragic death,” former Donegal GAA chairman and Ardara native John McConnell said. 

“He was involved in everything good in our Community and always put Ardara first. He was hugely active in our Club as a former Chairman and Treasurer and current executive member, and was always on hand when help or advice was needed. His loss to the area is unquantifiable, and he will never be replaced. Our prayers are with Marietta, Stephen, Gemma and all his extended family"

When Donegal won their two All-Ireland titles in 1992 and again in 2012, Stephen was enthused with the role of custodian of Sam Maguire for captain Anthony Molloy and manager Jim McGuinness, respectively, making sure that thousands of people in the community got to grasp the famous cup. 

Stephen also stood as an Independent candidate in the 2011 general election, where he received 1,831 first preference votes. He led out the Donegal Association of New York at the St Patrick’s Day Parade in the Big Apple back in 2023. His passing leaves a massive void in south-west Donegal.