A man in his thirties has been arrested after a popular Donegal publican was found dead in the early hours of this morning. The deceased man, aged in his sixties, has been named as a well-known publican and former election candidate, Stephen McCahill.
He was found dead at a location near Ardara in the early hours of this morning, after Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to an assault at a domestic residence outside the town. Multiple local outlets report that Mr McCahill was stabbed to death.
The night before his death, Mr McCahill had taken part in an event at the Corner House pub – the pub he co-owned – attended by musicians including Imelda May.
Gardaí in Donegal say they are investigating all of the circumstances surrounding the death.
Mr McCahill had stood as an independent candidate in Donegal South West in the 2011 General election, and was well known as a businessman and auctioneer. The 65-year-old father of two was greatly involved in his local community, and had a former ‘Donegal Person of the Year.’
He won the competition in 2016, and in 2023 he represented his home town in New York City’s annual St Patrick’s Day parade as ‘Mr Ardara’ with the Donegal Association of New York.
Tributes have flooded in for Mr McCahill online, as people who knew him took to social media to describe being “speechless and heartbroken” over the news.
“Stephen was a beautiful soul and loved by so many,” said one tribute. “You were an absolute gentleman,” said another.
The Glenties Town Team community group were among those who paid tribute on Monday.
A spokesperson said in a statement posted to social media: “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,” they added.
Gardaí said in a statement that a man in his 30s was 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.