'A fantastic man' - Tributes pour in as funeral details announced for Stephen McCahill

Tributes have poured in as funeral details have been announced for Stephen McCahill, a beloved member of the Ardara community in county Donegal after he was attacked and killed in the early hours of Monday morning,

66-year-old father of two Stephen has been described as a fantastic man and a true gentleman who has left a huge legacy behind him. 

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The Ardara community has been left shocked and grief-stricken following his tragic death on Monday in which Stephen was found dead outside his home at Beagh, Ardara, following what Gardai described as a fatal assault.

The accused, Michael Maloney, 32, a nephew of the late Mr McCahill by marriage, appeared before Judge Ciaran Liddy at a special sitting of Letterkenny District Court on Tuesday evening, charged that on January 5, at Beagh, Ardara, he did murder Stephen McCahill.

Stephen will be greatly missed by his heartbroken family. Forever cherished husband to Marietta, loving father to Gemma and Steven, adored father-in-law to Lauren, doting grandfather to Marykate, devoted brother and brother-in-law to Peter, Angela, Patricia (John), Desmond (Rose) and Bridie, and beloved uncle to his nieces and nephews.

He is pre-deceased by his parents Eileen and Packie and his brother Micheal.

Stephen will be sadly missed by the wider McCahill family, his much-loved Corner House family, his large circle of friends and neighbours, and everyone who benefited from his tireless work to help the communities of South West Donegal. Stephen’s legacy lives on in the many lives he touched.

Hundreds of heartfelt condolences have been left on RIP.ie, along with social media posts, from those who knew and fondly remembered Stephen, including Irish musician Imelda May who said,

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"Heartbroken to hear of the tragic and sudden death of the very special Stephen McCahill owner of the wonderful @cornerhousebar_ardara and the glue to a whole community of Ardara. He was a great friend to my brother Brendan and sister-in-law Josephine as he was to so many. I was happy to see him again just Sat night (when we took this picture at the door) where he encouraged live music and joy and had his big smile and hugs ready as the night went along. Even offering people a lift home.

"I’m putting this post up not just as a thank you to him but so people can send messages so his family can see all the love being sent their way at this awful time. Much love to his family, friends, all of Ardara and wider Donegal community and all who’ll miss him. Imelda XXX."

Other messages included,

"We are completely heartbroken by the tragic loss of Stephen. He was a dear friend and someone who gave so much to us as a family and to the wider community of Ardara. His kindness, generosity and presence will never be forgotten. Stephen will be so deeply missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with Marietta, Gemma, Steven and the wider McCahill family at this devastating time."

And,

"Sincere condolences to the McCahill family. Stephen was very supportive, encouraging and instrumental in helping to set up Pickleball in Ardara two years ago. Thoughts and prayers are with Marietta, Gemma, Steven at this time."

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Funeral Arrangements

Stephen's remains will repose at his home on Thursday morning, January 8, from 11am to 9pm and on Friday morning from 11am to 9pm.

Funeral from there on Saturday morning January 10 at 11.30am for 12 noon Requiem Mass in Church Of The Holy Family, Ardara, with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

Family home private on Saturday morning please.

People attending the wake are advised to park at Ardara G.A.A pitch or the Dolmen Centre, Kilclooney, were shuttle bus will be in operation.

Family flowers only. Donations in lieu, if desired, to the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association. c/o any family member.