‘Devastated’ staff mates pay tribute to footballer, 23, after he died in Christmas Eve accident

Devastated team mates have paid tribute to a young footballer who died in a road accident on Christmas Eve.

Callum McVeigh, 23, from County Down, lost his life after a collision with a forklift at around 1pm on Wednesday – and social media has been awash with messages of condolence.

The fatal accident happened off the Holywood Raod in Newtownards, and McVeigh was pronounced dead at the scene.

McVeigh was a talented footballer best known for winning the Steel and Sons Cup on Christmas Day in 2019 with south Belfast side Linfield Swifts.

McVeigh then joined Portadown in 2020, but injury struggles meant he only played three games.

That club held a minute’s silence before kick off in their Boxing Day derby match against Glenavon to honour his memory. 

He went on to sign for Ards in July 2022, for whom he appeared seven times, before joining Knockbreda in January 2023.

Just last month, the player from Downpatrick joined Killyleagh FC – and he took to the pitch for the final time on December 13.

The club led the tributes with a touching 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.

‘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’.

Captain Peter McDermott, speaking on behalf of the players, 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.’

Linfield likewise said the club was ‘deeply saddened’ by the news.

The club wrote: ‘Callum was a valued member of the Linfield Swifts side that lifted the Steel & Sons Cup in 2019, before progressing into senior football with spells at Portadown, Ards, Knockbreda, and most recently Killyleagh YC.

‘Everyone at Linfield FC extends their heartfelt condolences to Callum’s family, friends, and teammates, past and present, at this very difficult time.’

McVeigh was also an accomplished musician, and played with the Inch Flute Band. 

The group wrote: ‘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.

‘May they find comfort in knowing how much he was respected, valued, and loved by everyone in the band.

‘Callum will always be remembered and never forgotten within the Inch Flute Band family circle.’