Donegal Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher has led tributes following the death of Ardara businessman Stephen McCahill.
Deputy Gallagher said Mr McCahill, 65, will be remembered for his flair and drive for community development for many years to come.
The married father-of-two was found dead at his home on the outskirts of Ardara in the early hours of this morning.
A man in his 30s has since ben arrested by Gardai and is being questioned about Mr McCahill’s death.
Deputy Gallagher said the dawning of the New Year soon turned to widespread sadness with the news breaking of the untimely passing of his lifelong friend.
Mr McCahill with Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher and Mrs Marietta McCahill.
He said “I had known Stephen through his work, with his community and voluntary efforts for Southwest Donegal, through sport but most of it was through our friendship. Stephen had a massive flair and drive for community development, and his efforts were widely known in Ardara and further afield.
“In recognition of that Stephen was Donegal Person of the Year in 2016, an award he truly deserved.
“In 1981, Stephen moved back to Donegal to work with Campbell Seafoods, Killybegs, where he was employed as quality control manager, through the intervening years he had a long association with the fishing sector.
“More recently, he was heavily involved in business within the Ardara area, with a local public house and auctioneers’ company, he had remarkable business ethic and ability.”
The late Mr McCahill and his family when he received the Donegal Person of the Year Award in 2016.
The Fianna Fail TD appealed to the local community to rally behind the McCahill and Maloney families in their time of need.
He added “The events of the past twenty-four hours will weigh extremely heavy on this close-knit local community, and I urge us all to support the entire family network of the McCahill and Maloney Families in this most difficult of times, his many friends and business associates will need all our prayers, support and comfort in the time ahead.
“Writer and Journalist the late Joan Didion said of grief; “Grief has no distance, it comes in waves, in paroxysms, sudden apprehensions that weaken the knees and blinds the eyes and obliterates the dailiness of life.
“Both Ann and I wish to extend our deepest sympathies to his Family, to his wife Marietta, son Stephen, daughter Gemma. The members of the Mc Cahill and Maloney Families and his many friends and work colleagues that knew Stephen throughout his life.”
Ardara GAA Club have also expressed their sadness at the loss of their former club stalwart.
A club spokesperson said “As a Club & Parish, we are numb at the tragic death of former Chairman, Treasurer, & Community Leader.
“No words can express our sympathy for Marietta, Stephen, Gemma & their families at this time. All planned club activities suspended until further notice. Rest in Peace Stephen.”
Glenties Town Team, a community initiative to promote and improve the town, said they are deeply shocked and truly saddened to hear of the tragic death of Stephen McCahill.
A spokesperson said “Stephen was a true friend to Glenties and always an avid supporter of our town. He gave generously of his time, offering great support, guidance and advice whenever it was needed.
“His encouragement and positivity made a real difference, and his commitment to community life was clear to all who knew him.
“He was a man who genuinely cared about people and places beyond his own community, and his loss will be felt far and wide.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Stephen’s family, friends and the entire Ardara community at this very difficult time.”
Stephen McCahill will be remembered for his drive for community development – Pat the Cope was last modified: January 5th, 2026 by Staff Writer
