A man killed in a fatal assault in Ardara, Co Donegal, this morning has been named as businessman, community activist and former general election candidate Stephen McCahill.
A co-owner of the Corner House Bar in Ardara for the past 25 years, he was known affectionately as Mr Ardara by many. Mr McCahill (65), who was originally from Glenties, was an auctioneer and a director of a number of companies.
He stood as an Independent candidate in the 2011 general election, where he received 1,831 first preference votes. He was recognised for his work on numerous boards, committees and festival organisations across Ardara, Glenties and Killybegs.
The married father-of-two was pronounced dead following an assault at a domestic residence outside Ardara in the early hours of Monday morning.
A man in his 30s, who is understood to be known to MrMcCahill, has been arrested and is being held under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.
Donegal TD Pat “the Cope” Gallagher said Mr McCahill canvassed door-to-door for him during general elections.
He said he knew Mr McCahill through his community and voluntary work, sport and friendship. “Stephen had a massive flair and drive for community development, and his efforts were widely known in Ardara and further afield,” the deputy said.
“In recognition of that Stephen was Donegal person of the Year in 2016, an award he truly deserved,” he said.
The TD said the recent events will “weigh extremely heavy on this close-knit local community”. He expressed sympathies with Mr McCahill’s wife and family.
“I urge us all to support the entire family network of the Mc Cahill 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,” he said.
Mr Gallagher said Mr McCahill had a long association with the fishing sector and was heavily involved in businesses within the Ardara area. He established Glenard Fish, a fish sales firm, in 1991 and served as chair of the Donegal Fisheries Locl Action Group North. He has been involved in the running of the Corner House bar in Ardara for the past 25 years.
Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information about Mr McCahill’s killing to come forward.
The scene has been preserved for examination by the Garda Technical Bureau. The office of the State Pathologist has also been notified.
A senior investigating officer has been appointed to lead the investigation out of Ballyshannon Garda station.