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Man who died after assault 'had tremendous drive' for community

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The man who died has been named locally as well-known businessman Stephen McCahill

Tributes have been paid to well-known businessman Stephen McCahill, who has died in his 60s in County Donegal.

Emergency services were alerted to an assault at a domestic residence near Ardara at about 03:50 local time on Monday, where McCahill was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Fianna Fáil TD (MP) Pat "The Cope" Gallagher has described McCahill as having had "tremendous flair and drive for community development".

An Garda Síochána (Irish police) said that a man in his 30s had since been arrested at a separate location and is currently being held at a Garda station in County Donegal.

The scene has been preserved for examination by the Garda technical bureau and the office of the State Pathologist has been notified.

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Emergency services were called to a domestic residence outside the town at approximately 03:50 GMT on Monday

A senior investigating officer has been appointed to lead the investigation and an incident room has been established at Ballyshannon Garda Station.

A family liaison officer has been assigned to support the dead man's family and anyone with information is asked to come forward.

'His efforts were widely known and appreciated'

McCahill was a well-known local businessman, auctioneer and publican in Donegal.

He stood as an Independent candidate in Donegal South West in the 2011 General Election.

The father of two was named Donegal 'Person of the Year' in 2016, "an honour he truly deserved", according to local TD Pat "The Cope" Gallagher, who said he "lived a life defined by an unconquering community spirit".

In a social media post, Gallagher described McCahill as his "lifelong friend" adding that he has known him through "his work, through his involvement in the community and voluntary efforts across southwest Donegal, and through sport but above all through our friendship".

"Stephen had a tremendous flair and drive for community development, and his efforts were widely known and appreciated in Ardara and far beyond."

He added that his death "will weigh extremely heavy on this close-knit local community".

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Local sports clubs and community groups have also paid tribute to McCahill online.

Naomh Conaill GAA Club said: "Words feel wholly inadequate at this time."

They added that they were "truly devastated".

Writing on social media, Glenties Town Team described McCahill as "a true friend to Glenties and always an avid supporter of our town".

"He was a man who genuinely cared about people and places beyond his own community, and his loss will be felt far and wide."

Naomh Ultan GAA said they were "deeply saddened" by his death.

"Stephen was a true Gael and a great community man, whose contribution and presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him," the club said.

O'Neill Pipe Band Clontibret said they were "shocked, appalled and devastated" by the news.

"Steve spearheaded the 'Cup of Tae festival' in Ardara, which the band attended in 2016 & 2017. He gave us the warmest welcome and treated everyone with such kindness."