In Memory of Sean McCagh

In Memory of Sean McCagh

Dr. Sean McCagh touched the hearts and lives of his family, friends, co-workers, patients, and the entire community. Sadly, Sean passed away at the age of 60 due to complications of COVID-19. He left behind his wife, Terri, and three sons, Mike, Cory, and Casey.

Born and raised in Cumberland, Maryland, Sean graduated from Bishop Walsh High School and completed his undergraduate studies at Mount Saint Mary’s College. He received his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine and completed his dermatology residency at the University of West Virginia. He joined the offices of Western Maryland Dermatology in 1996. Staff and patients alike held him in high respect.

A man of vision and with a love of his hometown, Sean was never a person to sit idly by. He volunteered his time as the athletic physician for Allegany High School for several years. In 2003, he created a fundraiser to support the YMCA’s ice rink – the Hooley Plunge. When the YMCA closed the ice rink, Sean turned to another cause close to his heart, persons with developmental disabilities.

Now in its 19th year, the Hooley Plunge has raised nearly $1.8 million for the Special Olympics of Allegany County (Maryland) and other local programs for the developmentally disabled. It has become the largest single-day fundraising event in Allegany County, with hundreds of brave souls running into Lake Habeeb’s freezing waters at Rocky Gap State Park.

Sean was the recipient of the William Donald Schaefer Helping People award in 2016 by Maryland’s Comptroller Peter Franchot. “The award is given to people who engage in extraordinary work to assist underserved members of our society,” stated Franchot.

In 2017, he was awarded the Community Service Award from the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce.

While he loved his job as a dermatologist and was passionate about helping others, Sean also loved being a cattle farmer. When his middle son, Cory, graduated from college, Sean encouraged him to follow his dream to start a brewery. Located on the McCagh farm, 1812 Brewery opened its doors to become the first local craft brewery in Allegany County five years ago. It was an immediate success with both locals and tourists.

Husband, father, friend, doctor, businessman, community leader. Dr. Sean McCagh left his community sadder for his departure but so much better for being part of it. But we are grateful for the passion and love he put into the Hooley Plunge and his entire community.