Sports
Ex-Linfield Footballer Callum McVeigh Dies Aged 23 on Christmas Eve
Tributes have poured in for a Northern Irish footballer who died aged 23 in a tragic accident on Christmas Eve. Killyleagh Youth Club released a heartfelt statement following the passing of Callum McVeigh, who had only joined the club last month from Knockbreda.
McVeigh won the Steel and Sons Cup with Knockbreda in 2019, lifting the trophy on Christmas Day alongside current Northern Ireland internationals Trai Hume and Dale Taylor. His final appearance for Killyleagh came on 13 December, when he featured in a 13-1 win over Clonduff in the Clarence Cup, while he also previously had a stint with top flight side Linfield and Portadown.
According to The Sun, the County Down native passed away following an accident, although the exact circumstances remain unclear. However, the outpouring of tributes online since the news broke highlights just how talented and well-loved the young footballer was.
Killyleagh Release Statement Following Callum McVeigh’s Passing
Killyleagh led the tributes to McVeigh with an emotional statement on social media. It read: “It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the tragic passing of our player, Callum McVeigh, who died on Christmas Eve at the age of 23. Although his time with us was far too short, he made a meaningful and lasting impression. He settled in immediately, showed great commitment, starting at left back and earned the respect and friendship of teammates, management, and committee alike.
Callum’s final appearance for the club came on 13th December, when he represented us in the Clarence Cup fixture against Clonduff with a 13-1 victory – a moment we will now remember with great pride and sadness.
“We will long remember the fun and enjoyment of that evening as he joined us later that night for the players’ Christmas party at The Dufferin. On behalf of the entire committee, management, and playing staff, we offer our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the father Marcus, Mother Lisa and Brother Ethan, Callum’s friends, and all who are grieving this unimaginable loss. “Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this extremely difficult time. We would also like to sincerely thank the wider football community for the overwhelming messages of support, sympathy, and kindness received during this difficult time.”
The statement continued: “They have been greatly appreciated by everyone at the club. Callum will always be remembered as part of our club and will forever remain in our thoughts. Rest in peace, Callum.”
Knockbreda also mourned his passing, praising him as a “versatile player” who showed “quality and technical ability” throughout his 76 appearances. Speaking on behalf of the club’s players, captain Peter McDermott said: “We have been devastated since hearing the news.
“He was a huge part of our changing room and lives over the last few years. He was an excellent footballer and, more importantly, an even better friend. Our condolences, love and prayers to Callum’s family at this sad time.”
It wasn’t just in football that McVeigh made a lasting impression, though. Inch Flute Band said: “It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we learn the devastating news of the untimely passing of our deeply treasured band member and friend, Callum McVeigh.
“Callum was more than a bandmate, he was a true friend to many, and his presence, commitment, and character meant so much to us all. His loss is one that will be felt deeply throughout the band and far beyond.
“Our thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt condolences are with Callum’s brother Ethan, mum and dad Lisa and Marcus and the wider family circle at this incredibly difficult time.”
Other clubs and football social media accounts to extend their condolences to the friends and family of Callum include Portadown FC, Ards Football Club, Newington FC, and his former club during his academy years, Glentoran FC, who noted that he was a “fine example of a Glentoran Academy player and proudly represented our 2000, 2001 and 2002 age-group squads.”
