Man charged with murder of Donegal man Stephen McCahill

A man has been charged with the murder of Donegal businessman Stephen McCahill.

Michael Maloney, 32, of Loughros Point, Ardara, appeared before a special sitting of Letterkenny district court on Tuesday evening.

He wore navy joggers, navy hoodie and a black cap.

At around 3.50am on Monday, emergency services were alerted to an assault at a home in the Ardara area.

Gardai said they were “investigating all of the circumstances” after Mr McCahill was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detective Garda Patrick Kelly said Maloney was arrested on Tuesday at 2.25pm, before being cautioned at 3.25pm at Ballyshannon Garda station where he made no reply to the charges.

Defence solicitor Mark Mullaney asked that Maloney receive adequate care for a psychiatric condition he has been diagnosed with and has been taking medication for, as well as an application for legal aid.

District Judge Ciaran Liddy remanded Maloney into custody and he will appear before the court again via video link next week.

Tributes have poured in for Mr McCahill, who was heavily involved in the local community having been named Donegal Person of the Year in 2016.

Singer Imelda May was amongst those sharing expressions of grief, saying she was happy to have seen the father of two on the Saturday night just before his death.

She wrote on social media: “Heartbroken to hear of the tragic and sudden death of the very special Stephen McCahill owner of the wonderful Corner House Bar Ardara and the glue to a whole community of Ard an Ratha/Ardara.

“He was a great friend to my brother Brendan and sister-in-law Josephine as he was to so many.

“I was happy to see him again just Sat [sic] night…where he encouraged live music, warmth and joy and had his big smile and hugs ready as the night went along. Even offering people a lift home.

“I’m putting this post up not just as a thank you to him but so people can send messages so his family can see all the love being sent their way at this awful time.”