The Northern Irish football community is in mourning following the tragic death of young player Callum McVeigh in a road accident on Christmas Eve.
A Life Cut Short in Newtownards
Callum McVeigh, aged 23 and from County Down, lost his life after a collision with a forklift truck at approximately 1pm on Wednesday, 24 December. The fatal incident occurred off the Holywood Road in Newtownards. Emergency services attended, but McVeigh was pronounced dead at the scene.
Social media channels have been flooded with heartfelt messages of condolence from friends, teammates, and fans, painting a picture of a popular and talented young man whose life ended far too soon.
A Promising Football Career Remembered
McVeigh was a gifted footballer who first came to prominence by winning the Steel and Sons Cup on Christmas Day in 2019 with south Belfast side Linfield Swifts. He moved to Portadown in 2020, but his time there was hampered by injury, limiting him to just three appearances.
In a poignant tribute, Portadown held a minute's silence before kick-off in their Boxing Day derby against Glenavon. McVeigh later signed for Ards in July 2022, making seven appearances, before joining Knockbreda in January 2023.
His most recent move was to Killyleagh FC just last month. His final match was on 13 December, where he helped his new team to a 13-1 victory against Clonduff in the Clarence Cup.
Heartfelt Tributes from Clubs and Community
Killyleagh FC led the tributes with an emotional statement on social media, expressing "deep sadness and heavy hearts". The club highlighted how McVeigh had settled in immediately, shown great commitment playing at left-back, and earned the respect and friendship of everyone at the club.
They fondly recalled his last appearance and his attendance at the players' Christmas party that same evening. The club extended its sincere condolences to his father Marcus, mother Lisa, brother Ethan, and all his friends.
His former club, Knockbreda, praised him as a "versatile player" who demonstrated "quality and technical ability". Club captain Peter McDermott said the players were "devastated", describing McVeigh as "a huge part of our changing room" and "an even better friend" than he was a footballer.
Linfield FC, where his senior career began, said they were "deeply saddened" and remembered him as a valued member of their 2019 Steel & Sons Cup-winning Swifts side.
Beyond football, McVeigh was also an accomplished musician with the Inch Flute Band. The band posted a moving tribute, stating Callum was "more than a bandmate, he was a true friend to many" and that his loss would be felt deeply throughout their community.
The collective grief from across sporting and musical circles in Northern Ireland underscores the profound impact Callum McVeigh had in his 23 years.
