Man in his 30s charged over fatal assault of Donegal businessman Stephen McCahill

A man in his 30's has been charged in connection with the fatal assault of Donegal businessman Stephen Cahill, and is due to appear before a special sitting of Letterkenny District Court later this afternoon, Tuesday January 6, 2026, after 4pm.

Stephen McCahill, who was named Rehab Donegal Person of the Year in 2006 and January 2017, and Donegal Person of the Year for 2016, died in a fatal assault in the early hours of Monday morning.

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At approximately 3:50am on Monday morning, Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to an assault at a domestic residence outside the town. Stephen was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene.

Irish musician Imelda May has paid a heartfelt tribute to Stephen, who had affectionately become known as Mr Adara, along with many others in the community who are feeling the immense impact of Stephen's death.

In an emotional post, Imelda May said: "Heartbroken to hear of the tragic and sudden death of the very special Stephen McCahill, owner of the wonderful Corner House Bar, and the glue to a whole community of Ardara," she posted.

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"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 Saturday 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 the wider Donegal community and all who’ll miss him. Imelda XXX."

Donegal’s 1992 All-Ireland winning captain and Donegal County Councillor Anthony Molloy described Stephen, a 66-year old married father of two, who escorted him and Sam Maguire throughout the county and beyond, as “a true friend and loyal confidant.”

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“Our community has lost its driving force for development and advancement. Stephen devoted his entire life to improving the Ardara area, and the South West of Donegal in general,” said Cllr Molloy.

“For me personally, I have lost a true friend and loyal confidant who has been at my side since 1992, when he guided me through the aftermath of winning the All-Ireland. Time and time again, I would call on Stephen to assist me in speech writing or public events, and true to form, he would never let you down – he was always there.