Murder victim’s GAA club ‘in shock’
A statement from Crossmaglen Rangers said every member of the club was “shocked and saddened” by the untimely death of Mr Hughes, who was shot dead in Dundalk in the early hours of Sunday morning.
“James was a valued and committed member of our club, part of our successful senior team panel for over 10 years, he won three All-Ireland Club medals and more recently captained our seconds team to League success in 2010. He will be sadly missed by all of his friends and colleagues within the club.
“We extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this very difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam,” said the statement.
Clubmate and Armagh star Johnny Murtagh expressed his shock on Twitter.
“My heart is still very sore + thinkin about the times we had in + out of football, a star in every way!,” he wrote.
Fellow Armagh footballer Steven McDonnell also took to Twitter to express his sadness.
“RIP James Hughes. Such a good lad. Totally shocked,” he wrote.
Mr Hughes was one of two passengers in a taxi which had pulled up outside a house in Dundalk when a gunman opened fire on it.
A 32-year-old man later presented himself at Carrickmacross Garda station in Monaghan, where he was arrested. He is due before Dundalk District Court at 10.30am today.
The 48-year-old driver and a 21-year-old woman were injured in the incident. They were taken to hospital but their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
One of the lines of investigation being followed by gardaí is that both men had been involved with the woman who was in the front seat of the taxi. However, it is believed she may simply have been friends with the deceased.
It is understood that the woman had previously been in a long-term relationship with the gunman.
Gardaí do not believe Mr Hughes had any link to gangland crime, drugs or subversives.
