The man who died in a fatal road crash in Co Cavan has been named as former Donegal All-Ireland winner James McHugh.

The former footballer, who played for the county until 1996, was killed when the car he was travelling in collided with a van on the N3 at Drummallaght, between Virginia and Cavan, shortly before 2pm on Monday.

Mr McHugh, who was in his 60s, was pronounced dead at the scene before his body was removed to Cavan General Hospital.

His wife, Noreen, who was also in the car, was seriously injured in the collision and was airlifted to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin in a critical condition.

The driver of the van, a man in his 50s, was taken to Cavan General Hospital for treatment for minor injuries.

McHugh made his Donegal debut in 1990 against Cavan and went on to become a key member of the county’s historic All-Ireland winning side in 1992.

That year, he also picked up an All-Star award, while his brother Martin was also part of the Donegal set-up.

The former forward enjoyed considerable success at club level with Cill Chartha, helping the club to Donegal senior football championship titles in 1985, 1989 and 1993.

Tributes have since been paid to the much-loved sportsman, with Sinn Féin councillor Michael McMahon describing him as ‘one of the nicest men you could meet’.

Speaking to The Irish Mirror, he said: ‘It’s very very sad for everybody. James McHugh was a gentleman. He was one of the nicest men you could meet.

‘I saw him play in the ’92 All-Ireland Final, he was a great footballer… there is shock and sadness. My prayers are with his family and close friends. The entire community will be shocked by this.’

Gardaí have appealed for witnesses to come forward following the fatal collision.

In a statement, Gardaí said the crash occurred on the N3 at Drummallaght, between Virginia and Cavan, shortly before 2pm on Monday, August 10.

‘The male driver of the car, aged in his 60s, was fatally injured in the collision,’ Gardaí said.

‘The female passenger, also aged in her 60s, was seriously injured and was airlifted to Beaumont Hospital for treatment. The male driver of the van, aged in his 50s, was taken to Cavan General Hospital to be treated for minor injuries.’

The road was closed to facilitate an examination by Forensic Collision Investigators, with local diversions put in place.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision or was travelling on the N3 between Virginia and Cavan, particularly between 1pm and 2pm, to come forward.

They are also appealing to motorists who may have dashcam or other camera footage from the area at the time to make it available to investigating officers.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bailieborough Garda Station on 042 969 4570, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.