Emergency services, including gardaí and paramedics, were called to the scene at around 3.50am, and Mr McCahill was pronounced dead shortly afterwards. Gardaí at the scene of the incident near Ardara (North West Newspix)An investigation was immediately launched, and a man in his 30s, known to the deceased, was later arrested at another location. Gardaí believe Mr McCahill suffered fatal knife injuries, and a post-mortem examination will be carried out to confirm the exact cause of death. Stephen McCahill was well-known in the town of Ardara and throughout Donegal for his involvement in several businesses and as a community activist. In 2011, Mr McCahill stood as an independent candidate in that year’s general election, receiving almost 2,000 first preference votes, but missed out on a Dáil seat.

Source: Irish Independent January 05, 2026 12:01 UTC