A man (30s) known to the deceased remains in garda custody and is being questioned over the fatal assaultGardaí believe the suspect arrived at the victim’s home in the early hours of the morning
The 66-year-old, a married father of two, died following a fatal assault at his home on the outskirts of Ardara in the early hours of this morning.
Emergency services, including gardaí and paramedics, were called to the scene at around 3.50am, and Mr McCahill was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
Gardaí at the scene of the incident near Ardara (North West Newspix)
An investigation was immediately launched, and a man in his 30s, known to the deceased, was later arrested at another location. He remains in garda custody and is being questioned over the fatal assault.
Gardaí believe Mr McCahill suffered fatal knife injuries, and a post-mortem examination will be carried out to confirm the exact cause of death.
Gardaí at the scene of the incident near Ardara (North West Newspix)
Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and believe the male suspect arrived at the victim’s home in the early hours of the morning before the assault. The property is located around 20km north of Killybegs in the southern part of the county.
Stephen McCahill was well-known in the town of Ardara and throughout Donegal for his involvement in several businesses and as a community activist.
In 2011, Mr McCahill stood as an independent candidate in that year’s general election, receiving almost 2,000 first preference votes, but missed out on a Dáil seat.
Local Sinn Féin councillor Brian Carr said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this very sad time.
“Gardaí are investigating and we need to respect the process and the family’s privacy.”
In a statement shared to social media, the Ard na Ratha GAA club, in which Mr McCahill was heavily involved, said: “As a club and parish, we are numb at the tragic death of our former chairman, treasurer, and community leader Stephen.
“No words can express our sympathy for Marietta, Stephen, Gemma and their families at this time.
“All planned club activities are suspended until further notice. A full obituary and arrangements will be posted at the appropriate time. Rest in Peace Stephen.”
Stephen McCahill. Photo: Joe Dunne.
News in 90 seconds – 5 January
In a statement this morning, a garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí in Donegal are investigating all of the circumstances surrounding the death of a male at a location near Ardara in the early hours of Monday, 5th January 2026.
“At approximately 3.50am, gardaí and emergency services were alerted to an assault at a domestic residence outside the town.
“A male in his 60s was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene.
“A male in his 30s was later arrested at a second location and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a garda station in Co Donegal.
“The scene is preserved for examination by the Garda Technical Bureau. The office of the State Pathologist has been notified.
“A Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has been appointed to lead the investigation and an incident room has been established at Ballyshannon garda station.
“A Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has been assigned to support the family of the deceased.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Ballyshannon garda station on 071 9858 530, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
“Investigations are ongoing.”